Vatican investigates security guard over alleged anti-Semitic incident ‘clear insult’

The Vatican announced on Monday that the Pontifical Swiss Guard, the military agency responsible for protecting the Pope, has launched an investigation after one of its members was accused of anti-Semitic acts. Matteo Bruni, head of the Holy See’s media department, said in a statement that the Swiss Guard was “informed of an incident in which elements that could be interpreted as having anti-Semitic overtones were detected at one of the entrances to the Vatican City.”

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“According to initial conclusions, the report refers to an altercation related to a request for a photo at the guard post. An internal investigation is underway,” he added.

In an interview published last week by the Austrian Catholic news agency Catpress, Israeli author Michal Govrin said he was insulted by a security guard while he was with a friend in St. Peter’s Square on October 29. She asserted that the guards “openly whistled at us with deep contempt” and shouted “les juifs” (French for “Jews”).

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Pope Leo XIV leads Regina Caeli in prayer at the Vatican on May 11, 2025 — Photo: AFP/Vatican Media

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Believers gather in St. Peter’s Square on the day Pope Leo XIV leads the Regina Caeli prayers in Vatican City on May 11, 2025. — Photo: Stefano Rellandini / AFP

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When the two women confronted him, “he pretended to spit at us with obvious disdain,” he added. Goblin said she immediately complained to the guard’s supervisor, who apologized and promised to look into the incident. He said the Swiss Guard “reaffirms its constant commitment to fulfilling its mission, respecting the fundamental principles of dignity, equality and non-discrimination of each person.”

Founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, the Swiss Guard is made up of young Swiss citizens who pledge to protect the Pope for at least 26 months. Sentries in their famous blue, yellow, and red striped uniforms are stationed at various access points to the Vatican.