The 500th Anniversary of the Sack of Rome: The Swiss Guard’s Memorial Year

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The 500th Anniversary of the Sack of Rome: The Swiss Guard’s Memorial Year

The year 2027 will mark the 500th anniversary of the Sack of Rome.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard will commemorate this historic milestone with a memorial year dedicated to the 189 guardsmen, most of whom defended the Pope at the cost of their lives, as reported by Vatican News on October 5, 2026.

The Sack of Rome (Sacco di Roma) occurred on May 6, 1527, when the troops of Emperor Charles V (comprising Spanish soldiers and German Protestant landsknechts) stormed and brutally plundered the Eternal City.

In 2027, the Vatican and the Swiss Guard will host major commemorative events to mark the 500th anniversary.

The Role of the Swiss Guard in May 1527

    • Numbers and Composition: During the assault, the papal residence was defended by just 189 Swiss Guards under the command of Kaspar Röist, along with a small local militia. They faced a massive mercenary army of roughly 34,000 men.
    • A Heroic Sacrifice: A total of 147 Swiss Guards died in battle on the steps of St. Peter’s Basilica and around the Vatican. Their heroic resistance bought invaluable time for the Holy See.
    • Saving the Pope: Thanks to this rearguard action, the remaining 42 guardsmen successfully escorted Pope Clement VII through a secret fortified corridor (Passetto di Borgo) to the safety of Castel Sant’Angelo.
    • The Origin of the Tradition: To honor this ultimate sacrifice, new recruits of the Pontifical Swiss Guard take their oath of allegiance on May 6 to this day. Since 1911, this historical remembrance has been officially integrated into the annual swearing-in ceremony.

Commemorating the 500th Anniversary in 2027

According to the official schedule released by the Vatican and Vatican News, the jubilee events will unfold in several stages throughout 2027:

    • January 23, 2027 (Brig, Switzerland): Launch of the anniversary program and a historical conference focusing on the political and military dimensions of the 1527 events.
    • April 16–19, 2027 (Zurich, Switzerland): The guardsmen will participate in the traditional spring festival, Sechseläuten, honoring Zurich native and former commander Kaspar Röist. This event will highlight the city’s historical ties to Röist, who commanded the Swiss Guard during the Sack of Rome and lost his life in battle.
    • May 5–7, 2027 (Vatican City — The Culmination):
        • Solemn Vespers and Holy Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica.
        • Unveiling of a new commemorative plaque honoring the guardsmen who fell in 1527.
        • The traditional swearing-in ceremony for new recruits at St. Peter’s Square.
        • A light art projection by Swiss master artist Gerry Hofstetter.

    • September 4, 2027 (Einsiedeln, Switzerland): A national pilgrimage for former Swiss Guards, featuring the premiere of an anniversary documentary and a light show.

The official motto of the jubilee year is: «Values that endure: loyalty, reliability, professionalism, and cohesion.» The program aims to bridge historical memory with the contemporary role of the Swiss Guard.

«The Sack of Rome in 1527 is the most significant event in our history,» noted the Guard’s commander, Colonel Christoph Graf.

According to him, this year offers a profound opportunity to remember the ultimate sacrifice and loyalty of their predecessors, proving that these core values remain alive today. Organizers emphasize that the upcoming year will focus heavily on the guardsmen themselves and the centuries-old values that define their service. Ultimately, the goal is to showcase the Swiss Guard’s modern mission, inspire young Swiss citizens to serve in the Vatican, and strengthen the enduring bond between Switzerland and this sacred tradition.

Last Updated on 09.10.2026 by iskova