What's happened
During a papal audience on October 29, a member of the Swiss Guard allegedly hissed 'the Jews' and made a spitting gesture at an Israeli Jewish delegation, raising concerns about anti-Semitic attitudes within the Vatican. The incident occurred amid Pope Leo XIV's reaffirmation of anti-antisemitism efforts. Vatican investigations are ongoing.
What's behind the headline?
The incident highlights the persistent challenge of anti-Semitism within institutions that publicly condemn it. Despite Pope Leo XIV's strong rhetoric against anti-Semitism, the alleged behavior of a Swiss Guard member reveals underlying tensions and prejudices that remain unresolved. The Vatican's response, including an internal investigation and public apology, indicates awareness but also underscores the difficulty of eradicating deep-seated biases. This event could undermine efforts to promote interfaith dialogue and trust, especially as the Vatican seeks to project an image of tolerance. The incident may also fuel broader debates about the role of tradition and discipline within the Swiss Guard, and whether such attitudes are tolerated or addressed effectively. Moving forward, the Vatican must demonstrate a firm commitment to rooting out anti-Semitic sentiments to preserve its moral authority and foster genuine reconciliation.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the incident occurred during a significant event dedicated to improving Catholic-Jewish relations, with witnesses describing a guard hissing 'the Jews' and making a spitting gesture. The Vatican confirmed receiving a report and indicated that the episode was linked to a disagreement over photo requests, with an internal investigation underway. The Times of Israel emphasizes Pope Leo XIV's reaffirmation of anti-antisemitism efforts during the same event, highlighting the contrast between the Pope's words and the alleged actions of the Swiss Guard. Both sources note the importance of the event's context—marking the anniversary of Nostra Aetate—and the longstanding tradition of the Swiss Guard, which is tasked with protecting the Pope. The coverage underscores the tension between institutional values and individual prejudices, raising questions about the effectiveness of Vatican oversight and the sincerity of its anti-discrimination commitments.
How we got here
The incident took place during a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a declaration on interfaith relations. The event was attended by an international Jewish delegation, and Pope Leo XIV emphasized the Catholic Church's stance against anti-Semitism. The Swiss Guard, responsible for Vatican security, is under internal review following reports of the incident, which appears to stem from a disagreement over photo requests at a guard post.
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Vatican City, officially the Vatican City State, is the Holy See's independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. Vatican City became independent from Italy with the Lateran Treaty, and it is a distinct territory under "full ownership, exclusive domi