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An 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.
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38 Articles
38 Articles
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.
That 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
·Vienna, Austria
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Heruvium restored with the Italian prime minister's chip Giorgia Meloni was excavated by the freshness of the church in the centre of Rome where it was found, a measure of the parish priest in the wake of a political and clerical scandal, reports...
·Romania
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Total News Sources38
Leaning Left15Leaning Right4Center7Last UpdatedBias Distribution58% Left
Bias Distribution
- 58% of the sources lean Left
58% Left
L 58%
C 27%
15%
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