rome, italy
—
A painting in a church in Rome has been investigated after complaints that a newly restored angel bears an uncanny resemblance to national leader Giorgia Meloni.
The controversy revolves around restoration work carried out on a painting in the Chapel of the Holy Spirit in Purgatory in the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, central Rome.
Although the work was completed in December, side-by-side images of the restoration work and Meloni posted on social media in recent days show a striking resemblance.
It’s true that many politicians want voters to think of them as angels, but the Italian prime minister said in an Instagram post over the weekend that he “definitely” doesn’t look like an angel.
Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has ordered an investigation into whether restorers intentionally added Meloni’s face to the fresco.
The city general of Rome, which oversees the archaeological and historical heritage of the Italian capital, was instructed by the Ministry of Culture to launch an investigation.
“The Superintendent’s Office has launched an archival investigation to identify documents, photographs or project drawings of the original painting in the Chapel of the Cross of San Lorenzo in Lucina, created in 2000. The aim of the investigation is to compare it with the current decoration due to the restoration carried out in 2025,” the Office of the Director of the Special Inspectorate of Rome, Daniela Polo, said in a statement shared with CNN.
“This decoration dates back to 2000. It is not a cultural property. In fact, it is not even protected,” Polo told reporters gathered outside the cathedral on Monday after the tour.
“As it is a modern work, any modifications are allowed, but any changes must be agreed with the relevant authorities,” Polo added. She said she would continue investigating.
Restorer Bruno Valentinetti denied that he had made the image look like an Italian leader, telling local media that he had copied the original drawings from 2000, adding that he had done the work for free as a volunteer.
Cardinal Baldo Reina, the chaplain, issued a statement on the matter, but did not say whether the face of the angel belonged to the prime minister.
“In reaffirming the diocese’s commitment to preserving the artistic and spiritual heritage of the Diocese, we reiterate strongly that sacred art and images of the Christian tradition must not be exploited or exploited,” Reyna said in a statement on Saturday.
“The modification of the angel’s face was the idea of the decorator and was not communicated to the competent authorities. The vicarious diocese has committed to investigating the matter together with the parish priest, Monsignor Daniele Micheletti, and evaluating possible initiatives,” the statement added.
Opposition parties point out that the cathedral is one of the oldest in Christendom.
The uproar prompted hundreds of people to gather in the cathedral’s chapel, known as the Meloni Chapel, to decide for themselves whether the face near the votive monument dedicated to Italy’s last king, Umberto II, resembled Meloni, sparking a huge number of online comments from supporters and opponents of the populist leader.
Parish Priest Micheletti acknowledged the similarities but disagreed that it was a scandal.
“I don’t understand all the fuss. Painters were painting everything in their frescoes. Even Caravaggio painted the faces of prostitutes,” he told La Repubblica newspaper over the weekend. “I don’t want the parish to be seen as Melonian.”
