From October 2 to 4, we had the honor of attending the swearing-in ceremony of the Swiss Guards, a ceremony attended in person by Pope Leo XIV. We took this opportunity to reflect on the development of a project to pool positions within the Guard, with a view to modernizing and optimizing its organization.

We wish to reiterate our deep attachment to the service of these men, whose dedication to the Holy See has remained exemplary since the creation of the Swiss Guard on January 22, 1506. We remember in particular their heroic sacrifice on May 6, 1527, when 147 of the Pope's soldiers fell in battle protecting Clement VII and the papal apartments in the Vatican during the sack of Rome by the mutinous troops of Charles V. 

Following the congress of the Pontifical Foundation Fratelli Tutti, “For a united and tolerant world: let's improve our practices,” we had the privilege of participating in the unique concert Grace for the World, organized by Pharrell Williams in collaboration with maestro Andrea Bocelli and the Holy See. This exceptional event brought together international artists, religious and diplomatic figures around a universal message of peace, solidarity, and human fraternity. In this regard, we have a special thought for the late Pope Francis.

We are particularly proud to see the Vatican embracing new technologies, notably drone swarms, to offer a spectacular show combining spiritual tradition and contemporary innovation. This alliance between art, technology, and spirituality demonstrates the Church's ability to engage with the modern world and reach new generations through modern means, while remaining faithful to its universal message.

We were invited to the ambassadors' dinner in Paris, organized on Turkey's initiative on the theme: “Turkey's presence in Africa.” The evening provided an opportunity for a particularly rich debate between various civil society actors, diplomats, and experts on Turkey's current strategic position on the international stage, and in particular its growing influence on the African continent.

The discussions provided an opportunity to gauge the extent of Turkish diplomacy in Africa, marked by an increasingly assertive economic, cultural, and political presence. This expansion is part of a broader geopolitical positioning strategy, making Turkey a key player at the crossroads of several major spheres of influence: the European Union, Russia, Central Asia, and Africa. This unique position gives Ankara a pivotal role in contemporary regional and international balances. It should be noted that Turkey was chosen as the destination for Leo XIV's first papal trip at the end of November, underscoring the importance of dialogue between the Holy See and this country at the crossroads of civilizations.