US EditionAn angel resembling Italy’s Meloni is painted over after an outcry from church and state
The cherub's face, restored after 2023 water damage, was removed to prevent political imagery in sacred art, prompting investigations by church and culture officials.
- Diocese of Rome officials instructed technicians to modify the fresco after it resembled Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and the decorator's initiative was not communicated to authorities.
- The Diocese of Rome said the alterations were unauthorized and tasked Cardinal Baldassare Reina to determine responsibilities, emphasizing protection of artistic and spiritual heritage.
- Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli sent technical officials to inspect the fresco and ascertain the nature of the intervention, while investigators seek the 2000 cherub's original appearance.
- Giorgia Meloni distanced herself on Instagram, saying she `did not look like an angel`, while opposition parties called for an investigation and warned against art as a `tool for propaganda`.
- The basilica's consecration in 440 underscores the historic setting for the controversy, while Bruno Valentinetti denied modelling the cherub on the prime minister and referenced the 2000 original.
53 Articles
53 Articles
Part of a restored fresco in Rome's San Lorenzo in Lucina Basilica has been removed. The angel depicted appeared to bear a striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The artist initially denied this vehemently, but now admits: "Okay, it was the prime minister."
Watauga Democrat
Montana State ExponentArtist rubs out Meloni church fresco after controversy
An artist who restored a fresco in a church in central Rome with a likeness of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has wiped out his own artwork after it sparked outrage.
A fresco in Rome shows the face of Giorgia Meloni. An outcry goes through Italy. Now the Vatican reacts by Pope Leo XIV and penetrates.
An angel in Rome was painted over, as he looked like Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
der Standard AT
der Standard DEThat heavenly messenger, who suddenly wore the face of the Italian head of government on a fresco in a Roman church, has been painted over – apparently at the Vatican's behest
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