The Musical Bands of the Swiss Guard and the Gendarmerie in a Joint Concert at Castel Gandolfo for Pope Leo XIV

A Historic Moment

It was indeed a historic moment, for the first time ever the musical bands of the Corps of the Gendarmerie and the Pontifical Swiss Guard performed together. The concert, held in the presence of Pope Leo XIV, took place on the evening of Monday, September 29, in the courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, on the Feast of Saint Michael the Archangel, Patron of Vatican City State.

The event—organized in collaboration with the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage and the Directorate of the Pontifical Villas of the Governorate of Vatican City State, together with the Italian National Music Committee (CIDIM)—was part of the series “Music at the Museums – Jubilee 2025.”

This initiative represented a moment of profound symbolic and artistic value, celebrating the unity of two institutional Corps bound by the same mission: the protection of the Holy Father. In a world that often seems fragmented, the gesture of these musicians playing in unison resonated as a call to hope. It demonstrated that true service can also be expressed through art, offering an elevated moment of encounter where military discipline meets the appeal of artistic expression. It was a tangible way for the Vatican to project its message of building bridges among peoples and cultures—a harmony to be heard and imitated.

The concert began at 8 p.m. with a solemn entrance procession. The two bands—the Gendarmerie Band conducted by Maestro Stefano Iannilli and the Pontifical Swiss Guard Band conducted by Maestro François Fournier—alternated and joined in performing a carefully selected repertoire, offering the audience an hour of music rich in quality and expressive intensity.

The evening concluded shortly after 9 p.m., with the two conductors shaking hands and embracing, in mutual esteem and collaboration. The event left a sense of harmony, service and a shared culture.

Among those present were Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga, President Emeritus of the Governorate of Vatican City State, Sr. Raffaella Petrini, President of the Governorate, Archbishop Emilio Nappa and Mr. Giuseppe Puglisi-Alibrandi, Secretaries General, Monsignor Vincenzo Viva, Bishop of Albano, Andrea Tamburelli, Director of the Pontifical Villas, Barbara Jatta, Director of of Museums and Cultural Heritage, Maestro Francescantonio Pollice of the Italian National Music Committee and Mauro Colaiacomo, Head of Discipline and Operations of the Gendarmerie Band.

Below is Sr. Raffaella Petrini’s welcome greeting:

Holy Father,

With immense joy, we thank you for your presence among us at this musical event that, for the first time, brings together in concert the Band of the Corps of the Gendarmerie and the Band of the Corps of the Pontifical Swiss Guard.

On this occasion of the Feast of the Holy Archangels, in the splendid setting of this Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace—where, on September 29, 1935, Pius XI inaugurated the new Vatican Observatory—today we will listen to a selection of musical pieces ranging across various genres and styles: from classical marches to contemporary compositions, from film soundtracks to original works for marching bands.

In a world unfortunately marked by war and violence, music remains an instrument of fraternity—one capable of building bridges and fostering peace. Through its universal language, it unites people, moves them, inspires reflection, and creates community. Above all, it strengthens friendship. And it is precisely in this spirit that the two Bands perform together this evening.

This concert is the fruit of months of rehearsals, dedication and love for music. For this reason, I wish to express my heartfelt thanks to the members of both musical bands, to the conductors Maestro Stefano Iannilli and Maestro François Fournier, to the Directorates of the Vatican Museums and the Pontifical Villas of the Governorate, to Maestro Pollice of CIDIM, and to all those who made this event possible.

A special word of thanks goes to all of you gathered here, who, by your presence, support the commitment and passion of the organizers.

Holy Father, we are delighted that this evening - together with us - you will enjoy the talent and professionalism of our musicians.

I renew to you our sincere sentiments of affection and filial devotion, also on behalf of all the collaborators of the Governorate. We assure you of our fervent prayers, with which we remember you daily in the exercise of your Petrine ministry, entrusting you today, in a special way, to the protection of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Thank you once again for choosing to share this moment with us.