A disturbing allegation of antisemitism has emerged at the heart of the Vatican, casting a shadow over an event meant to celebrate interfaith relations. The Pontifical Swiss Guard, the colorful historic security force that protects the Pope, is now investigating claims that one of its members made antisemitic gestures toward Jewish visitors last week.
The incident allegedly took place on October 29, 2025, as an international Jewish delegation arrived for a papal audience commemorating the 60th anniversary of “Nostra Aetate” — the groundbreaking Second Vatican Council declaration on the Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions. According to reports, a Swiss Guard made a spitting gesture toward two Jewish women as they approached St. Peter’s Square.
Israeli writer and theatre director Michal Govrin, who was one of the women involved, described the encounter in stark terms. She told Austrian news agency Kathpress that a member of the Swiss Guard hissed “the Jews” at them before making the offensive gesture as they were entering the square.
The irony? This happened during an event specifically celebrating Catholic-Jewish dialogue and understanding.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni confirmed that an investigation is underway, stating that “the matter is currently the subject of an internal investigation process, initiated in accordance with the procedures established for handling reports involving members of the Corps.” The Swiss Guard has pledged that the investigation will be conducted with both confidentiality and impartiality.
In an official statement, the Swiss Guard reaffirmed its “constant commitment to ensuring that the fulfillment of its mission always takes place with full respect for the dignity of every person and the fundamental principles of equality and nondiscrimination.”
The timing couldn’t be more awkward for the Vatican. The alleged incident occurred at an event where Pope Leo XIV explicitly condemned antisemitism, declaring that “the Church does not tolerate antisemitism and fights it” — a statement that reportedly drew extended applause from those in attendance.
This isn’t the first time the Swiss Guard, with its distinctive Renaissance-era uniforms and ceremonial halberds, has faced scrutiny. But allegations of antisemitism strike at the heart of decades of Vatican efforts to heal historical wounds in Catholic-Jewish relations.
“The Pontifical Swiss Guard has received a report regarding an incident at one of the entrances to the Vatican City State, in which elements interpreted as having antisemitic connotations were detected,” a separate statement confirmed.
For now, both Jewish organizations and Vatican observers are watching closely to see how the Holy See handles this investigation — and whether it will result in meaningful accountability or simply fade into bureaucratic obscurity. The response could either reinforce or undermine Pope Leo’s forceful words against antisemitism delivered on that very same day.
