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Rome and the Vatican: swearing-in of the Swiss Guard and working visit
On 6 May, Alain Berset greets Pope Francis at the end of the general audience in St Peter’s Square. He meets Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States: protection of minorities, the fight against violent extremism, the 1,500th anniversary of the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, the Confederation’s support for the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
He visits the Swiss School of Rome and meets, at the Swiss Institute in Rome, a delegation from Valais, the host canton of the swearing-in. Then two Italian ministers: Giuliano Poletti (Labour and Social Policies) on pensions and older workers; the Deputy Minister of Health, Vito De Filippo, on cross-border cooperation, chronic diseases and food safety ahead of Expo Milano.
At the end of the day, he attends the swearing-in of 32 new guards in the Courtyard of St Damasus, and addresses a few words to them.
Wednesday 6 May 2015 — Vatican and Rome
- Mass for the Swiss Guard in St Peter’s Basilica, celebrated by the Cardinal Secretary of State, Pietro Parolin
- Meeting with Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher
- General audience, greeting of Pope Francis
- Visit to the Swiss School of Rome
- Reception at the Swiss Institute in Rome with the Valais authorities
- Meeting with Giuliano Poletti, Minister of Labour and Social Policies
- Meeting with Vito De Filippo, Deputy Minister of Health
- Swearing-in ceremony of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, Courtyard of St Damasus
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