The Pontifical Swiss Guard, the army responsible for protecting the Pope, has opened an investigation after an incident in which one of its members was accused of anti-Semitic acts, the Vatican announced on Monday.
Swiss Guard “was informed of an incident that occurred at one of the entrances to the Vatican City State, in which elements interpreted as having anti-Semitic connotations were detected,” said the director of the Holy See’s press service, Matteo Bruni, in a press release.
In an interview published by the Austrian Catholic Press Agency Kathpress Last week, Israeli writer Michal Govrin said he was insulted by a guard while he was with a colleague in St. Peter’s Square on October 29. The two women came to Rome “with international Jewish delegations on the anniversary of the declaration Nostra Aetate– text of the Second Vatican Council that redefined the relationship between the Catholic Church and other religions, and condemned anti-Semitism. reports Swiss Catholic news portal Cath.ch.
Guard “openly hissed at us with deep contempt (by launching) “the Jews””, he stated. When the two women faced him, “He pretended to spit at us in obvious disgust.” He admitted that he immediately complained to his superiors who apologized and promised to investigate the incident.
“According to preliminary findings, said Matteo Bruni in his press release, the report described a dispute over a photo request at the guard post.” Dispute regarding photography requests? Cath.ch explains that the problem is common, as the Swiss Guard is too “often asks for impromptu photos” And “regularly forced to reject it, sometimes suddenly”. The one that can, “sometimes, degenerate”. To explain this incident, “an internal investigation is underway”, added Matteo Bruni, “in accordance with the principles of confidentiality and impartiality”.
Swiss Guard “reaffirms its continued commitment to achieving its mission by respecting the dignity of every person and the basic principles of equality and non-discrimination”, he assured.
Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, the Swiss Guard is composed of young Swiss citizens tasked with protecting the Pope for at least twenty-six months. Recruited from among Catholic Swiss citizens who could produce certificates of good behavior granted by local ecclesiastical authorities, the 100 Swiss guards (4 officers, 25 non-commissioned officers, 70 lances and 1 priest) had to complete their duties. “yours faithfully” their military service, be under 30 years old, have a minimum height of 1.74 meters and be single. Guards, dressed in the famous festive uniform with blue, yellow and red stripes, are stationed at various entrances to the Vatican.
