Church angel resembling Italy’s prime minister painted over after outcry

South China Morning PostEN 1 min read 100% complete by Associated PressFebruary 5, 2026 at 06:20 AM

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A painting of a cherub resembling Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome's Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina was painted over after sparking controversy. The image, part of a restoration dating back to 2000, drew large crowds and prompted investigations by the diocese of Rome and the Italian Culture Ministry. Restorer Bruno Valentinetti admitted to modeling the angel after Meloni, though his motivations remain unclear. Church authorities requested the cover-up because Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the pope’s vicar for Rome, felt a political figure had no place in church art. The cherub's body remains, but the face was erased with paint or plaster.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Reuters 30% Italy 50% Cardinal Baldassare Reina 50% Diocese of Rome 50% Italian Culture Ministry 60% La Repubblica 60% Bruno Valentinetti 70% Rome ×370% Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina 70% Giorgia Meloni ×390%

Keywords

angel painting 100% giorgia meloni 90% church art 80% italian prime minister 70% controversy 70% restorer 60% political figure 60% basilica of san lorenzo 50%