Following an incident that has been making headlines in recent days, the behavior of a Swiss Guard is currently under investigation. The director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, confirmed this report on November 10, 2025.
Two Jewish women have accused a Swiss Guard of anti-Semitic behavior during an incident earlier this year. Guard authorities are taking the claim seriously.
According to two complainants, the papal soldier is suspected of having committed an anti-Semitic gesture while on duty. Without yet reaching a conclusion, the Vatican has raised the possibility of a misunderstanding that arose when visitors asked to take a photo.
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.
The known facts
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.”
Possible conflict over a photograph
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.”
