The presidents of the National Council and the Council of States, together with President Guy Parmelin, attended the swearing-in ceremony of 28 new recruits to the Pontifical Swiss Guard. The ceremony takes place on 6 May each year in memory of the soldiers who fell during the Sack of Rome on 6 May 1527. The attendance of the Swiss Confederation’s most senior officials is a longstanding tradition, reflecting Switzerland’s special bond with this corps, which has deep historical roots and a unique institutional significance.
The world’s oldest army, founded by Pope Julius II on 22 January 1506, is responsible for protecting the Pope and his residence. Commanded by Colonel Christoph Graf (LU), it is also tasked with controlling access to the Vatican and the Apostolic Palace, ensuring order and protocol during papal ceremonies and state receptions, and protecting the College of Cardinals during the interregnum. The corps comprises guards from all the linguistic regions of Switzerland.
Mr Page and Mr Engler also visited the Swiss Institute in Rome. Founded in 1947 with the support of the Swiss Confederation, the Swiss Institute promotes cultural and academic exchanges between Switzerland and Italy and is supported by numerous institutional partners, including the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation and the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia.
On Tuesday 5 May, the president of the National Council visited the headquarters of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. A farmer by profession, Mr Page held talks with senior officials from the organisation, focusing in particular on projects supported by Switzerland, such as the centre for monitoring locusts and migratory pests. The centre monitors the spread of the desert locust (Schistocerca gregaria), one of the world’s most destructive migratory pests. The centre provides real-time forecasts and early warnings to the affected countries.
Within the UN, the FAO is responsible for developing standards relating to sustainable agriculture and food security. It also manages the World Food Programme (WFP), which is responsible for emergency food aid, and leads international efforts to end hunger. The FAO has 194 members (193 states and the European Union) and has a presence in 130 countries. Switzerland has been a member since its foundation in 1946.