Angel that looked like Giorgia Meloni removed from Rome church fresco

The Guardian - World NewsEN 2 min read 100% complete by Angela Giuffrida in RomeFebruary 4, 2026 at 06:27 PM

AI Summary

medium article 2 min

A fresco in a Rome church depicting an angel with a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been erased. The image, located in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, was altered during a restoration by an amateur artist, Bruno Valentinetti, who later admitted to intentionally making the angel look like Meloni. The altered painting, completed in 2000, sparked controversy and investigations by the culture ministry and the diocese of Rome, with officials expressing disapproval of the misuse of sacred art. The Vatican reportedly requested the removal of the likeness, which led to the angel's face being erased from the fresco. The incident drew curious visitors to the church and criticism from opposition politicians, despite Meloni's own humorous reaction.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Five Star Movement 30% Baldo Reina 40% Daniele Micheletti ×240% Italy 50% La Repubblica ×250% Bruno Valentinetti ×460% Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina ×260% Rome ×470% Vatican ×370% Giorgia Meloni ×890%

Keywords

fresco 90% giorgia meloni 80% church 70% restoration 60% vatican 60% italy 50% art 50% scandal 40%

Sentiment Analysis

Neutral

Score: -0.10

Source Transparency

Source

The Guardian - World News

Classification Confidence

90%

Geographic Perspective

Rome

This article was automatically classified using rule-based analysis.

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fresco giorgia meloni church restoration vatican italy art scandal

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