Meloni Angel Painting in Rome Basilica Painted Over After Controversy

Meloni's Angelic Likeness Sparks Church and State Investigation

An angel fresco in Rome's historic San Lorenzo in Lucina basilica that bore an uncanny resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been painted over following a major controversy that drew both church and state investigations. The painting, originally created in 2000 by restorer Bruno Valentinetti, was being restored after water damage when the Meloni likeness was discovered, creating what some have called the 'Meloni Chapel' phenomenon.

The Controversial Restoration

The incident began when visitors to the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina noticed that a cherub in the Chapel of the Holy Souls in Purgatory looked remarkably like Prime Minister Meloni. The restoration work had been completed in December 2025, but it wasn't until social media comparisons went viral that the resemblance became a national controversy. 'I simply copied the original 2000 drawing,' Valentinetti initially claimed, though he later admitted to adding Meloni's features. The 83-year-old artist told BBC News that he was ordered by Vatican authorities to cover up the face.

Church and State React

Both religious and government authorities launched investigations into the incident. Cardinal Baldassare Reina, the pope's vicar for Rome, expressed disappointment, stating that 'sacred art cannot be misused for political purposes.' Italy's Cultural Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered an official investigation to determine if the restorer intentionally added Meloni's face to the fresco. The basilica, located near Rome's Palazzo Montecitorio, saw an influx of visitors more interested in taking selfies than praying, disrupting regular church services.

Historical Context and Artistic Precedent

The San Lorenzo in Lucina basilica has a rich history dating back to the 4th century, with significant renovations in the 17th century that converted side aisles into chapels. While some have noted historical precedents of artists including contemporary faces in religious works, church authorities emphasized that political figures have no place in sacred art. 'This is not about artistic freedom but about respecting the sacred nature of our churches,' a diocese spokesperson told reporters.

Meloni's Response and Public Reaction

Prime Minister Meloni responded to the controversy with humor on social media, writing on Instagram: 'No, I definitely don't look like an angel' with laughing emojis. Meanwhile, Italy's Five Star Movement opposition party expressed outrage, stating that 'art and culture should not become instruments of propaganda.' The incident has sparked broader discussions about the intersection of politics, religion, and art restoration in Italy.

Future Restoration Plans

Church officials have announced that the original facial features will now be properly restored, with future restoration work requiring official authorization and submission of sketches beforehand. The incident has highlighted the need for clearer guidelines in art restoration, particularly in historically significant religious sites. As one art historian noted, 'This case shows how restoration work requires not just technical skill but also ethical judgment.'