Vatican investigating Swiss Guard accused of anti-Semitism

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, a small army of 135 men, received a report of an incident during which “elements interpreted as having anti-Semitic connotations were allegedly observed,” Bruni said. According to our information, the incident took place on October 29 at the Arch of the Bells, one of the entrances to Vatican City. It is located at the foot of St. Peter's Basilica and permanently guarded by two Swiss guards.

Two women are said to be involved: Michal Govrin and Vivian Liska, two daughters of Holocaust survivors. They had gone to Rome with an international Jewish delegation for the anniversary of the Nostra Aetate declaration. This text from the Second Vatican Council redefined relations between the Catholic Church and other religions and condemned anti-Semitism.

According to Michal Govrin, who spoke to the Catholic news agency Kathpress, a Swiss Guard on duty shouted “Jews” with contempt as they passed by on their way from the Paul VI Hall to St. Peter's Square for the general audience.

According to the article, Vivian Liska, director of the Institute for Jewish Studies in Antwerp, then turned to the guard and said, “You said, ‘Jews.’” The soldier denied it, then “pretended to spit in our direction with obvious contempt.”

“When we complained to the Vatican authorities, the person in charge apologized profusely and assured us that the guard would be investigated,” adds Michal Govrin.

The case is currently the subject of an “internal verification procedure,” according to the Holy See, which is invoking “principles of confidentiality and impartiality” during the investigation phase. However, it specifies that “based on a preliminary reconstruction, the report refers to a dispute that arose when a photo was requested at the guard post.”

Sources close to the Swiss Guard explain that incidents can occur during service. Soldiers, who are often asked to pose for impromptu photos, are regularly forced to refuse, sometimes abruptly, which can occasionally lead to escalation. When complaints are reported to the Swiss Guard, its officials initiate investigations and seek to reach a settlement.

In any case, the investigation is still ongoing. In the meantime, the world's smallest army reaffirms its ongoing commitment to “respecting the dignity of every person and the fundamental principles of equality and non-discrimination.”