(ANSA) - ROME, MAY 6 - Pope Francis told the newest cohort of young men to join the Swiss Guards Monday that they should ditch their phones and get out and visit Rome, taking part in the local community.
    Francis told the 34 new recruits that brought the world's smallest army back up to its full complement: "I urge you to actively and intensely cultivate community life.
    "Today the habit is widespread among young people of spending their spare time along with their computers or smartphones. And so I say to you too, young Guards: go against the grain! "It's better to use your free time for common activities, to get to know Rome, for moments of fraternity in which to recount yourselves and share things. These experiences will build up inside of you and will accompany you for your whole lives".
    The 34 recruits, raising three fingers to evoke the Holy Trinity, swore allegiance to the pope saying "I, Halberdier, swear to faithfully, loyally and honorably observe all that was read to me in this moment. May God and our Patron Saints assist me!" Of the 34, only two are native Italian speakers, while 16 are German speakers, 16 French speakers. and there were no Romansh speakers.
    The guards, sporting the characteristic blue-and-orange Renaissance-style uniform, traditionally swear their oath of allegiance on May 6 to recall the deaths of 147 predecessors during the Sack of Rome by Emperor Charles V in 1527.
    Only 42 guards survived the attack and ensured that Pope Clement VII (Giulio de' Medici) escaped the ignominy of capture.
    Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the elite corps is recruited from a group of Swiss towns and villages that for centuries have provided the Vatican's security watchdogs with responsibility for guarding the pope and the Apostolic Palace.
    During the Middle Ages and in Renaissance times, the Swiss had the reputation of being Europe's most reliable mercenaries - tough fighters who hardly ever changed sides.
    Recruitment terms are strict.
    Candidates have to be single males, at least 1.74m tall, practising Catholics, to have completed their compulsory military service in Switzerland and to be "of stainless character".
    Swiss Guards sign on for a minimum of two years. (ANSA).