"Appreciation" and "gratitude" for their job of defending the Pope. This was expressed yesterday morning after the Marian prayer of the Angelus to the Swiss Guards who yesterday celebrated the fifth centenary of the arrival of the first contingent in Rome. On January 22nd 1506, the first 150 Swiss entered through Piazza del Popolo into the Eternal City and raised their flag, led by Captain Kaspar von Silenen from the Uri Canton. Pope Julius II, who had repeatedly called them for such a job, welcomed them with his Blessing. The history of the Papal Swiss Guards was gone over by cardinal Angelo Sodano, Secretary of State, who yesterday presided a Mass by officially opening the celebrations for the 5th centenary of their Foundation. "Dear Members of the Swiss Guars- said cardinal Sodano in remembrance of this celebration, I ask you to love the Church of Christ more and more". "This is the Church that we too want to love today, this is the Church we too want to serve today".
