Nov. 10 (UPI) — The Vatican announced Monday that its armed forces plan to investigate an incident in which a member of the Swiss Guard allegedly insulted and spat at two Jewish women at the entrance of Vatican City.
The alleged incident occurred on Oct. 29 at a side entrance to St. Peter’s Square, The Guardian reported. The two women were part of a Jewish delegation attending an event during which Pope Leo condemned anti-Semitism.
The event marked the 60th anniversary of *Nostra Aetate*, a declaration that affirmed the relationship between the Catholic Church and other world religions. It also rejected the notion that Jews were wholly responsible for the death of Jesus.
Michal Govrin, from Tel Aviv, told Kathpress, an Austrian Catholic news agency, that a Swiss Guard “noticeably hissed at us with deep contempt, ‘les juifs’ (the Jews).” When she challenged him, he allegedly “made an act of spitting in our direction with clear contempt.”
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, said the report appears to involve a disagreement over a photograph at the service post. He emphasized that the review is being conducted in accordance with established procedures, respecting confidentiality, impartiality, and applicable regulations.
“In keeping with its centuries-old tradition of service, the Swiss Guard reiterates its commitment to ensuring that its mission is always carried out with respect for the dignity of every person and the principles of equality and non-discrimination,” Bruni said in a statement.
Cpl. Eliah Cinotti, a spokesperson for the Swiss Guards, confirmed that the guard in question is under internal investigation “as is standard procedure to be sure of the professionalism of the guards in service,” The Guardian reported.
“But to be clear — the Swiss Guard completely distances itself from any form of anti-Semitism,” Cinotti added.
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