A mural in a central Rome church featuring an angel restored to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been painted over after sparking political and clerical outrage. The image, in a chapel of the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina near government offices, drew attention when first spotted by the newspaper la Repubblica on Saturday.
One of two angels in the chapel had been altered to closely mirror the 49-year-old right-wing leader, Italy’s first female prime minister. The depiction provoked criticism from opposition figures and irritation from Cardinal Baldo Reina, Vicar General for the Diocese of Rome.
Church removes image amid crowding
When the church reopened on Wednesday, the angel’s face had been painted over, leaving the figure headless. Parish priest Daniele Micheletti told the news agency ANSA that the decision was made because the image had become divisive.
«There was a procession of people that came to see it instead of listening to Mass or praying. It wasn’t acceptable,» Micheletti said.
The mural’s original artist, Bruno Valentinetti, told la Repubblica that he had been asked by the Vatican to restore the angel to its original appearance. The Holy See declined to comment, while the Diocese of Rome said it would release a statement later.
Investigations launched, Meloni reacts
Cardinal Reina expressed «bitterness» over the incident, called for an investigation and emphasised that sacred art cannot be exploited or misused. Italy’s Culture Ministry also announced an inquiry into the mural.
Meloni, however, responded with humour, posting a photo of the painting on Instagram with the caption:
«No, I definitely don’t look like an angel» and a laughing emoji.
The mural, created in 2000 and not under heritage protection, had been restored by Valentinetti to repair water damage before the controversy.
From economics and politics to business, technology and culture, Kursiv Uzbekistan brings you key news and in-depth analysis from Uzbekistan and around the world. To stay up to date and get the latest stories in real time, follow our Telegram channel.
