Italian prime minister's likeness on church fresco prompts inquiry

A recent restoration in the basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina revealed a fresco face that many said resembled Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni; the Diocese of Rome says the change was unauthorized and has opened an inquiry and ordered the face altered.

A fresco in a chapel of the basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina in Rome drew attention after a recent restoration because one angel figure was seen as resembling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The work was repaired following water damage and was carried out by a volunteer restorer, which led to public and media interest. The restorer initially denied creating a likeness but later told a newspaper he had taken inspiration from the premier. Church authorities say the alteration was unauthorized, have opened an inquiry and ordered the face covered and replaced. Known details: - The fresco is in a chapel dedicated to Umberto II inside the basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, near Italy's main government building. - Visitors and reporters noticed that the angel holding a map of Italy bore a resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after the restoration. - The restoration was done after water damage and involved Bruno Valentinetti, described by a church guardian as a volunteer. - Valentinetti initially denied a likeness in remarks to ANSA, and later told La Repubblica he had taken inspiration from the premier. - The Diocese of Rome announced the change was unauthorized, opened an inquiry, and Cardinal Baldo Reina warned against politicizing sacred art. - Church authorities ordered the face covered and replaced; crowds of photographers and onlookers gathered, and the parish priest said visitors had been coming more for selfies than prayer. Summary: The incident has shifted a local restoration into a public matter, drawing media attention and political comment. The Diocese has opened an inquiry and instructed that the altered face be covered and replaced; further outcomes are undetermined at this time.