The Vatican confirmed an internal probe into claims that a Swiss Guard made an antisemitic gesture toward Jewish visitors.
The Vatican press office confirmed that the Pontifical Swiss Guard has launched an internal investigation into an incident involving a guard accused of making an antisemitic gesture. The alleged act took place on October 29 as Jewish representatives entered St. Peter’s Square for Pope Leo XIV’s general audience marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council declaration on interreligious relations.
“The matter is currently the subject of an internal investigation process… conducted in compliance with the principles of confidentiality and impartiality,” the Vatican said on November 10. The Swiss Guard reaffirmed its “commitment to ensuring that the fulfillment of its mission always takes place with full respect for the dignity of every person.”
Vivian Liska, director of the Institute of Jewish Studies at the University of Antwerp, told La Repubblica that she viewed the act as “an incident involving one individual who behaved badly.” She said officials later apologized after reviewing security footage.