Second Pinoy joins Pontifical Swiss Guards

A second Filipino has joined the Pontifical Swiss Guards that is tasked to guard Pope Francis and his residence, according to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).

Sebastian Esai Eco Eviota, who was born in Davao City, was among the 23 new recruits who took part in a swearing-in ceremony held at the Courtyard of Saint Damascus at the Vatican on Saturday.

Eviota, 24, moved to Switzerland in 2009 with his elder sister on a family reunion visa.

CBCP News reported that "his father, Diomedes, is from Surigao City while his mother Editha, who died in 2000, was from Agusan del Sur province’s Esperanza town."

"In Switzerland, Eviota joined the Youth for Christ, the youth ministry of the Couples for Christ (CFC)."

The report also said that "Eviota was a second lieutenant at the Swiss Army before he was admitted to the Swiss Guards in January 2022 to complete his basic training."

Eviota is the second Filipino to join the Swiss Guards. The mother of Swiss-Filipino Vincent Luthi hails from Cebu province.

The Swiss Guard, the smallest army in the world, is composed of between 110 to 135 men. It was founded by Pope Julius II in 1506 and its main task is to protect the pope and his residence.

Swiss Guard members also accompany the pope on his journeys and protect the College of Cardinals during the period of Sede Vacante or when there is a vacancy at the Holy  See. —BAP/KG, GMA Integrated News