A member of the Vatican’s Swiss Guards, the world’s smallest army whose primary role is to protect the pope, is under investigation for allegedly making a spitting gesture towards two Jewish women. The alleged incident occurred at one of the side entrances to St Peter’s Square as people gathered for a general audience on 29 October, during which Pope Leo condemned antisemitism. When the guard was challenged, she added, he allegedly “made an act of spitting in our direction with clear contempt”. It is understood that the alleged incident arose when “a person … asked for a photo[of the Swiss Guard]”, and “it all started from there”, Cinotti added. “But to be clear – the Swiss Guard completely distances itself from any form of antisemitism,” Cinotti said.

Source: The Guardian November 10, 2025 22:42 UTC