Italian authorities and Catholic Church officials have initiated a formal investigation into controversial restoration work at Rome’s Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina following allegations that a fresco angel bears the likeness of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
The cultural controversy emerged when Italy’s leading newspaper La Repubblica published comparative images showing a recently restored cherub holding a map of Italy that appeared to resemble the conservative leader. The side-by-side photographs demonstrated significant facial alterations from the original 2000 fresco.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has dispatched technical experts to examine the artwork and determine the exact nature of the modifications. Simultaneously, the Diocese of Rome expressed profound disappointment, clarifying that while aware of conservation efforts following water damage, they had received assurances that no substantive changes would be made to the chapel’s artwork.
Eighty-three-year-old artist Bruno Valentinetti, who created the original fresco and conducted the restoration, vehemently denied the allegations. “The restored face is identical to what I painted twenty-five years ago,” he stated through AGI news agency. “Who perceives any resemblance to Meloni?”
Prime Minister Meloni responded with characteristic humor on Instagram, posting: “I’m definitely not like an angel” accompanied by laughing emojis, effectively dismissing the controversy.
Parish priest Monsignor Daniele Micheletti expressed bewilderment at the attention, noting that historical frescoes frequently contained contemporary references. “Artists traditionally incorporated various elements into their religious works,” he remarked.
The political opposition demanded immediate investigation, with Democratic Party representative Irene Manzi labeling the situation “unacceptable” and the Five Star Movement warning against art becoming “propaganda instrumentation.”
The Diocese subsequently announced that Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope’s Vicar for Rome, would lead the inquiry to establish accountability. Church authorities emphasized their commitment to protecting both artistic integrity and spiritual heritage from inappropriate exploitation.
The Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina, dating to the 4th century, contains numerous significant artworks and remains an important site for both religious worship and cultural tourism.