Restored angel fresco resembling Italian PM Meloni sparks investigation

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 2 min read 100% complete February 3, 2026 at 03:10 PM

AI Summary

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An investigation has been launched in Italy after claims that a restored angel fresco in a Rome basilica resembles Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The controversy arose after an Italian newspaper published before-and-after pictures suggesting the angel's face had been altered during the restoration. Church and government officials are investigating the matter, with the Culture Ministry sending officers to inspect the artwork and the Diocese of Rome expressing disappointment. The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, denies modeling the angel after Meloni, stating he simply restored his original work from 2000. While the parish priest downplayed the issue, opposition parties have called the situation unacceptable, prompting the investigation to determine the nature of the intervention and possible responsibilities.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Irene Manzi 30% Monsignor Daniele Micheletti ×230% Alessandro Giuli 40% Democratic Party 40% Five Star Movement 40% La Repubblica 50% Diocese of Rome ×360% Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina 60% Bruno Valentinetti ×270% Rome ×370% Italy ×280% Giorgia Meloni ×590%

Keywords

fresco restoration 90% giorgia meloni 80% investigation 70% italian politics 60% art controversy 60% culture ministry 50% basilica of st lawrence 50% diocese of rome 50%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

BBC News - World

Political Lean

Center (0.00)

Far LeftCenterFar Right

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Italy

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis. The political bias score ranges from -1 (far left) to +1 (far right).

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fresco restoration giorgia meloni investigation italian politics art controversy culture ministry basilica of st lawrence diocese of rome

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