Pope Leo celebrates Mass for members of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps

Vatican News

To serve, to protect, and to safeguard. These are the three verbs that embody the spirit and purpose of the commitment of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, which gathered on Saturday afternoon, October 3, at the Lourdes Grotto in the Vatican Gardens to attend the Mass presided over by the Pope, following the swearing-in of fifteen recruits.

To protect, to listen, to accompany

Pope Leo addressed the Gendarmes as the “workers” in the Lord’s vineyard, entrusted with caring for places, entrances, and buildings, but above all, for people. It is a important task in which care is one of its defining characteristics and from which springs the respect to be shown in different situations. He noted the challenge of safeguarding others with humility and dedication, as well as, discretion and a sense of duty. He said that authority, in the light of the Gospel, is expressed above all in the ability to protect, to listen, and to accompany others, with balance, firmness, and respect.

Finding strength and courage in God

The Pope invited the Gendarmes to always look to God and entrust their days and their service to Him, the very foundation of their service. He encouraged them to rediscover in God that peace which enables them to act with clarity and with a peaceful heart. He said that at the center of their lives and service must be Jesus Christ who teaches us how to express gentleness, while being an authority that walks hand in hand with humility and having the courage to intervene with a merciful heart.

A docile heart

The Pope said a heart and a mind educated in goodness are part of the profile of a Gendarme and that those who protect others must first safeguard within themselves truth, justice, goodness, and respect. He noted that while their work requires them to remain vigilant, they are also called to something even deeper - to watch over themselves with care as well. He recommended to guard the heart, so that it does not become hardened but remains ever docile to God and attentive to others; to guard conscience, so that it may continue to guide with integrity; and to guard the fraternity among them, so that each person may feel welcomed, supported, and never alone.

Entrusted to Saint Michael the Archangel

The Pope entrusted all the personnel to Saint Michael the Archangel, patron of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps with this special charge: to those who have been serving for many years, and to the fifteen who took their oath today, to never forget for whom and for what they have chosen to serve. And he encouraged them to persevere in being trustworthy, discreet, and loyal, letting Jesus inspire their service.