A restored fresco in a Roman chapel has drawn attention after the angel depicted seemed to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Officials Launch Investigation
Italy’s culture ministry has sent inspectors to examine the artwork, while the Diocese of Rome expressed its disappointment over the situation. The church stated it would investigate who was responsible for the change.
The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, defended his work, saying the restored face matches the original he painted in 2000. “The face has not been altered. Who says it resembles Meloni?” he asked, according to AGI news agency.
Reactions From Church and Government
The parish priest, Monsignor Daniele Micheletti, described the restoration as minor touch-ups and dismissed the public reaction. “Painters used to include all sorts of details in frescoes,” he said, adding that he did not understand the fuss.
Opposition parties reacted quickly. Irene Manzi of the Democratic Party called the resemblance “unacceptable,” while the Five Star Movement warned that art should not become a tool for propaganda, regardless of the subject.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered technical experts to inspect the fresco to determine the nature of the intervention and decide the next steps.
Diocese Responds
The Diocese of Rome clarified that it knew about the restoration but had been told no new elements would be added. “The modification of the cherub’s face was the decorator’s initiative, not communicated to the competent authorities,” it stated.
The cardinal overseeing the diocese, Baldo Reina, will lead a full investigation. In a statement, he expressed disappointment with the incident and emphasized the church’s commitment to protecting both its artistic and spiritual heritage from misuse.
PM Meloni Responds
Meloni reacted with humor on Instagram, posting that she was “definitely not like an angel” along with a laughing emoji.
