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Investigation launched into fresco restoration
Italian authorities and church officials are examining claims that an angel's face in a restored fresco at Rome's Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina bears a striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The culture ministry dispatched inspectors to assess the artwork after reports surfaced over the weekend.
Church expresses disappointment, orders inquiry
The Diocese of Rome called the incident "disappointing" and announced an immediate investigation led by Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope's Vicar for Rome. The diocese emphasized its commitment to safeguarding its artistic and spiritual heritage from misuse, distancing itself from comments made by the parish priest.
"The modification of the cherub's face was the decorator's initiative, not communicated to the competent authorities."
Diocese of Rome statement, via Ansa
Artist denies intentional resemblance
Bruno Valentinetti, the 83-year-old artist who restored the fresco-originally painted in 2000-denied modeling the angel after Meloni. "The restored face is the one that was painted 25 years ago," he told AGI news agency. "Who says it resembles Meloni?"
The parish priest, Monsignor Daniele Micheletti, downplayed the controversy, noting that painters historically included diverse elements in frescoes. He confirmed the artwork was retouched after water damage but said he did not "understand the fuss."
Opposition parties demand accountability
Political opponents seized on the incident, framing it as a potential misuse of art for propaganda. Irene Manzi of the Democratic Party called the situation "unacceptable," while the Five Star Movement insisted art should not become a "tool for propaganda," regardless of whether Meloni was depicted.
Meloni responds with humor
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed the controversy on Instagram, posting, "I am definitely not like an angel," accompanied by a laughing emoji.
Ministry seeks clarity on restoration
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered technical officials to inspect the fresco and determine the nature of the intervention. The ministry's statement did not specify whether the changes violated restoration protocols but indicated next steps would follow the inspection.
La Repubblica first reported the likeness on Saturday, publishing before-and-after images that showed the angel holding a map of Italy. The earlier version, according to the newspaper, depicted a "generic cherub."
