New Swiss Guards attend their swearing-in ceremony in Paul VI hall at the Vatican May 6. New recruits are sworn in during a colorful ceremony at the Vatican every May 6 to commemorate the day 150 Swiss Guards died saving Pope Clement VII’s life during the sack of Rome on that date in 1527. (CNS photo/Paul Haring) (May 7, 2012) See GUARDS-FACEBOOK May 7, 2012.