Vatican investigates Swiss Guard after allegations of an antisemitic incident in St. Peter's Square

Vatican investigates Swiss Guard after allegations of an antisemitic incident in St. Peter’s Square World Nov 10, 2025 3:08 PM EST

ROME (AP) — The Vatican said Monday it was investigating a possible antisemitic incident, in which a Swiss Guard allegedly made a spitting gesture toward two Jewish women.

The alleged incident occurred during a papal audience Oct. 29, at the entrance to St. Peter’s Square. The audience that day was dedicated to marking the anniversary of a 1965 declaration on the church’s relations with Jews and other non-Christians.

The alleged victims were part of an international Jewish delegation attending the papal audience, during which Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed Catholic-Jewish relations and vowed to fight antisemitism.

One of the people involved, Israeli writer and t