Swiss Guards to get place of honor during pope’s Swiss trip

VATICAN CITY  — The Vatican’s Swiss Guards are getting a place of honor in Pope Francis’ upcoming day trip to their native Switzerland.

The Vatican said Monday that the head of the world’s oldest standing army, Cmdr. Christoph Graf, has been invited to join the pope’s official delegation, a far more relaxing assignment than he usually has helping guard the pope on foreign trips.

In addition, two former Swiss Guards in full uniform will greet the pope Thursday on the tarmac in Geneva, while a third former guard, Gautier Porot, has been organizing the trip locally.

Francis is going to Geneva to mark the 70th anniversary of the foundation of the World Council of Churches, a fellowship of 350 churches that aims to show the unity of the Christian faith.