On the Day the Pope Condemned Anti-Semitism... Swiss Guard Sparks Uproar by Making Spitting Gesture at Jewish Women

Controversy Prompts Investigation by the Holy See
The Only Military Organization of the Holy See

The Swiss Guard, responsible for protecting the Pope in the Vatican, has become embroiled in a controversy over alleged discrimination against Jews. On November 11, Yonhap News, citing the Associated Press and other sources, reported that a recent incident involving a Swiss Guard at the Vatican has sparked debate after he appeared to spit at two Jewish women.

The Swiss Guard is the only military organization owned by the Holy See, responsible for security within the Vatican and the safety of the Pope. Photo by AP Yonhap News

The incident took place recently at the entrance to St. Peter's Square in the Vatican. Michal Govrin, an Israeli writer, and Viviane Rieska, director of the Institute of Jewish Studies in Belgium, were visiting the Vatican as part of an international Jewish delegation. They requested to take a photo with the guard, but he refused and reportedly addressed the two women with a contemptuous look, saying "Jews." When the women protested, the guard made a spitting gesture toward them. Govrin, who was insulted by the guard that day, said, "It is shocking that this happened on the very day the Pope condemned anti-Semitism."

At the time, Pope Leo XIV was receiving an audience of worshippers and visitors to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the 'Nostra Aetate' declaration, which symbolizes improved relations between Catholics and Jews, further intensifying the controversy. The Holy See, which has launched an investigation, stated, "Elements have been found that could be interpreted as having anti-Semitic implications." Swiss Guard spokesperson Elia Sinotti said, "We completely distance ourselves from any form of anti-Semitism." The incident is expected to have significant repercussions, particularly because the Swiss Guard, known for their solemn demeanor that has even been described as 'robotic,' displayed such behavior during an event symbolizing reconciliation with Judaism.

Famous for Their Colorful Red, Yellow, and Blue Striped Uniforms

The Swiss Guard was established when Pope Julius II (1443-1513), the 216th Pope, received 200 mercenaries from Switzerland after his accession in 1503. The guard has strict service requirements: unmarried male Catholic Swiss nationals between the ages of 19 and 30, with a minimum height of 174 cm. As the oldest military organization in the world that protects the Pope, the Swiss Guard is renowned for its colorful red, yellow, and blue striped uniforms. It is the only military organization owned by the Holy See, responsible for security within the Vatican and the safety of the Pope. However, due to its excessively rigid culture, Pope Francis in 2014 declined to extend the term of the commander who had led the guard's closed culture.

The Swiss Guard is a military organization with strict service qualifications, requiring unmarried male Catholic Swiss nationals aged between 19 and 30, with a minimum height of 174 cm. It is the oldest military organization in the world that guards the Pope. Photo by AP Yonhap News Agency

This is not the first controversy surrounding the Swiss Guard. In 2014, a former commander caused a scandal by claiming that there was an organized homosexual network of clergy within the Vatican. He alleged that some clergy members had made inappropriate sexual advances toward guards. In 1998, a guard who was in a homosexual relationship with the commander shot and killed the commander and his wife before taking his own life.