Church officials are investigating after an angel painted during restoration work inside an ancient Roman basilica was noted to have a remarkable similarity to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The fresco is inside the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, in Rome, in the Lazio region of Italy, and was spotted when it was noticed at the end of last month (January) following extensive restoration work completed.
Picture shows Giorgia Meloni's post, undated photo. The face of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appears on an angel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome, Italy. Note: Image is a screenshot from post. (Newsflash)
The matter concerns a cherub depicted above the marble monument to Umberto II of Savoy, Italy’s last king, inside the basilica.
After images of the restored fresco circulated, comparisons were drawn between the angel’s facial features and those of Meloni, prompting public debate and media attention.
Photographs published by Italian media show the cherub before and after the restoration, with visible differences between the earlier, more generic angel and the current version, which critics say inappropriately bears a resemblance to the prime minister.
The restoration was carried out by Bruno Valentinetti, 83, who has described himself as a sacristan and volunteer decorator at the church.
Picture shows the fresco before restoration, undated. The face of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appears on an angel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome, Italy. Note: Private photo. (Newsflash)
He said he had simply retraced what was already present in the earlier work, which dated back around 25 years, and denied deliberately portraying Meloni.
Valentinetti said the intervention had been completed months ago and insisted that restoration work involved reproducing existing elements rather than introducing new ones, adding that he did not intentionally model the angel on any living person.
Meloni responded on social media by sharing an image of the cherub and commenting: “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel.”
The matter has drawn the attention of church and state authorities. Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope’s vicar for Rome, said immediate checks would be launched to assess any possible responsibility related to the restoration.
Photo shows Giorgia Meloni, undated. She is an Italian politician who has been serving as the prime minister of Italy since 22 October 2022, the first woman to hold this position. Note: Picture is a screenshot from a video (Newsflash)
Two investigations have been opened by the Vicariate of Rome and the cultural heritage authorities, while Italy’s Ministry of Culture confirmed that officials had been instructed to carry out an on-site inspection of the basilica to determine the next steps.
In a statement, the Diocese of Rome reiterated its commitment to safeguarding artistic and spiritual heritage, stressing that sacred images must not be used improperly and are intended solely to support liturgical life and prayer.
(Aloysius Fernandes /Newsflash)