A restored angel fresco, displayed contained in the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, Rome, has grow to be embroiled in controversy as some imagine it now resembles Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. – Vincenzo Livieri/Reuters
A painting in a Rome church has prompted an investigation following complaints {that a} newly-restored cherub bears a exceptional likeness to the nation’s chief, Giorgia Meloni.
The controversy surrounds restoration works carried out on a painting in the Chapel of the Holy Souls in Purgatory in the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, central Rome.
Although the work was accomplished in December, side-by-side photographs posted to social media in latest days of the restored work and Meloni present a hanging resemblance.
While many politicians would certainly prefer to have their constituents consider them as angelic, the Italian prime minister took to Instagram on the weekend to say she “definitely” doesn’t appear to be an angel, in a publish accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni attends her end-of-year press convention in Rome, Italy, January 9, 2026. REUTERS/Vincenzo Livieri – Vincenzo Livieri/Reuters
Italy’s cultural minister Alessandro Giuli has ordered an investigation as as to if the restorer deliberately added Meloni’s face to the fresco.
The Superintendency of Rome, which oversees the Italian capital’s archaeological and historic heritage websites, has been instructed by the Ministry of Culture to start an investigation.
“The Superintendency has initiated archival research to identify documentation, photographic or project drawings, of the original painting in the chapel of the Crucifix in San Lorenzo in Lucina, created in 2000. The research is aimed at comparing it with the current decoration resulting from the restoration that took place in 2025,” the workplace of Daniela Porro, head of the Special Superintendency of Rome, mentioned in a press release shared with NCS.
“The decoration dates back to 2000. It is not a cultural asset; in fact, it is not even protected,” Porro advised reporters gathered outdoors the basilica on Monday following an inspection.
“Any modifications are permitted because it is a contemporary work, but if any, they must have been agreed upon with the relevant institutions,” Porro added. She mentioned investigations would proceed.
The restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, has denied making the picture appear to be the Italian chief, telling native media that he copied the unique 2000 drawing, including that he did the work without cost as a volunteer.
The chapel vicar Cardinal Baldo Reina has issued a press release on the matter, however has not weighed in on whether or not the angel’s face is that of the prime minister.
“In renewing the Diocese of Rome’s commitment to safeguarding its artistic and spiritual heritage, we firmly reiterate that images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited,” Reina mentioned in a press release Saturday.
“The modification of the cherub’s face was an initiative of the decorator and was not communicated to the competent authorities. The Vicariate has committed to investigating the matter with the parish priest, Monsignor Daniele Micheletti, and to evaluate possible initiatives,” the assertion added.
Opposition events have identified that the basilica is among the oldest in Christendom.
The furor has lured a whole lot of individuals to the basilica’s chapel, which has been dubbed the “Meloni Chapel,” to guage for themselves if the face close to the votive monument devoted to the final King of Italy Umberto II resembles Meloni, prompting an unlimited array of on-line commentary from supporters and opponents of the populist chief.
The parish priest Micheletti confirmed the resemblance, however doesn’t agree it’s a scandal.
“I don’t understand this fuss. Painters used to put all sorts of things in frescoes; even Caravaggio painted the face of a prostitute,” he told La Repubblica newspaper on the weekend. “I don’t want the parish to be considered Melonian.”
For extra NCS information and newsletters create an account at NCS.com