The events of May 4, 1998, within the Vatican walls continue to fuel speculation and debate. On that day, three individuals were found dead in the apartments of the commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard, sparking an inquiry that the Vatican swiftly concluded as a crime of passion. Though, lingering questions and conflicting evidence have kept the case alive in the public consciousness.

In the immediate aftermath of the discovery, the Vatican announced that Vice-Corporal Cédric Tornay of the Pontifical Swiss Guard had murdered Commander Aloïs Estermann and his wife, Gladys, before taking his own life.The motive, according to the Vatican’s initial assessment, was a build-up of frustration, allegedly stemming from the denial of the “Bene Merenti” medal to Tornay.This explanation, however, has been met with skepticism.

Doubts surrounding the official version arose quickly, fueled by concerns about potential crime scene contamination, inconsistencies in autopsy reports, and questions regarding the authenticity of a letter attributed to Cédric Tornay, which his mother disputed.

Unresolved questions and Lingering Doubts

“there is a mess in terms of investigation. We quickly gave a narrative of what had happened, which has formatted the research.”

Over the years, numerous theories have emerged, ranging from power struggles within the Vatican to espionage and allegations of undisclosed relationships. None of these choice explanations have been substantiated, and the Holy See has consistently declined to reopen the investigation, citing its independence.

According to Fabien Hünenberger, journalist and director of Cath Info, “there is a mess in terms of investigation. We quickly gave a narrative of what had happened,which has formatted the research.” He further suggests that “there is ‘an institutional reflex to preserve the honor of the institution, even if it means leaving a number of elements in the shadows.'”

Antoine Drux