The Vatican confirmed that the Swiss Guard, the body responsible for the security of the Pope since its establishment in 1506, Investigation of an episode It happened on October 28, l An alleged manifestation of anti-Semitic contempt By one of his soldiers Against two Jewish women.
Holy See spokesman Matteo Bruni said that the Swiss Guard had received a complaint “due to an incident.” Interpreted with connotations of an anti-Semitic nature“.
The events occurred when two Jewish women were heading to an international meeting with the Pope, and they argued with a Swiss guard who was at one of the official entrances to the Vatican. They reported that after the quarrel with the soldier He called them “beans” in French. In an insulting tone He spat in her direction.
One story indicated that the visitors asked him to take a picture with them, as tourists do The guard refused. This situation is every day because it seems soldiers They should avoid photographs.
“The case is currently undergoing internal verification procedures,” Bruni said.
The incident occurred while many visitors were entering to participate in activities commemorating the declaration in the Vatican Our problemsAt which the Second Vatican Council was held – Revitalizing relations with the Jews. In this event, Pope Leo
Leo XIV cited the Declaration, and recognized “what is true and holy in other religions.” “Religions around the world are trying to respond in their own way and offer teachings, ways of life and sacred rituals that help guide their followers toward peace and the meaning of life,” he said.
He stated that the Catholic Church “rejects all forms of discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, life situation, religion” and anti-Semitism.
In another paragraph, in front of thousands of people in the Paul VI Hall, Cardinal Kurt Koch, President of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, recalled that the Second Vatican Council“Takes a firm stance against forms of anti-Semitism.”
He added, “Sixty years later, the message remains more urgent than ever.”
Regarding the incident that occurred on October 28, the spokesman for the body responsible for the Pope’s security, Corporal Elia Sinoti, confirmed to the media that Received a report from a third person “He was not involved in the incident that occurred.”
One of the heroes of the episode under investigation is Israeli writer, poet and theater director Michal Gobrindaughter of a Holocaust survivor.
One media website explained that the accused was the Swiss guard Whistled against them With extreme contempt, he called them “Jews” in French.Jovi).
“We were completely shocked,” she added. “An incident of hatred towards Jews inside the Vatican?! In contrast to the words of the important Pope who strongly condemns anti-Semitism and calls for cooperation and peace?!”
Gobrin said his colleague turned to the guard and said, “You said ‘the Jews,'” to which the guard replied, “No, I didn’t do that” and “They’re lying.” Then, according to Govrin, he “A gesture of contempt, as if he were spitting.”
At the end of the ceremony with religious delegations. The Pope stressed that “the Church does not tolerate anti-Semitism.” And he fights it for the sake of the Gospel itself,” a statement that was met with long applause.
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