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Vatican Probes Alleged Antisemitic Conduct by Swiss Guard at St. Peter’s Entrance

Officials say a preliminary account traces the encounter to a disputed photo request during a Nostra Aetate commemoration.

La Guardia Suiza en la Plaza de San Damasco en la Ciudad del Vaticano el 23 de octubre del 2025. (AP foto/Andrew Medichini)
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FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020 file photo, Vatican Swiss Guards wear masks to curb the spread of COVID-19 as they stand attention at the Vatican. Three Vatican Swiss Guards who have refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19 upon Holy See orders and have left the storied corps to return to Switzerland. A Swiss Guard official, Lt. Urs Breitenmoser told The Associated Press on Sunday all Swiss Guards were asked to be vaccinated “to protect their health and that of the others they come into contact as part of their service.” (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File)

Overview

  • The Holy See confirmed an internal verification after a complaint described a derogatory remark and a spitting gesture toward two Jewish women.
  • Swiss Guard spokesperson Cpl. Eliah Cinotti said a report from an uninvolved third party was received and the matter is under review.
  • One of the women, Israeli writer Michal Govrin, said the guard hissed “the Jews” in French and mimed spitting as they approached an official entrance.
  • The episode was reported at the Oct. 29 papal audience where Pope León XIV publicly rejected antisemitism.
  • Vatican officials said no findings or disciplinary decisions have been announced as the Guard reiterates commitments to dignity, equality, and non-discrimination.