Vatican Launches Investigation into Swiss Guard
The Vatican has officially opened an investigation into a member of its prestigious Swiss Guard following allegations of an antisemitic incident. The event is said to have occurred in St. Peter's Square and involved two Jewish women attending a papal audience.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The alleged confrontation took place on October 29, 2025, at an entrance to St. Peter's Square. According to reports, a guard allegedly hissed 'the Jews' at Israeli writer and theatre director Michal Govrin and her colleague before making a spitting gesture in their direction. This occurred on a day when the papal audience was specifically dedicated to marking the anniversary of a 1965 declaration on the Church's relations with Jewish people and other non-Christians.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed the Guard had received a report where 'elements interpreted as having antisemitic connotations were detected.' A preliminary investigation suggests the episode may have stemmed from a disagreement over a request to take photographs at a guard post.
Papal Condemnation and Guard's Commitment
On the very same day as the alleged incident, Pope Leo XIV addressed the international audience, which included the Jewish delegation. He firmly stated that 'the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and fights it,' a declaration that was met with prolonged applause from the crowd.
In response to the allegations, spokesman Bruni reiterated the Pontifical Swiss Guard's commitment to its principles. He stated that the Guard, founded in 1506 and the world's oldest standing military corps, reaffirms its duty to carry out its mission with 'respect for the dignity of each person and the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination.'
