The face of an angel in a fresco at Rome's Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, which bore a resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been erased. Artist Bruno Valentinetti, who restored his own 2000 fresco, removed the image last week following an inquiry by Italy's culture ministry and the diocese of Rome, stating he acted at the Vatican's request.
The incident highlights tensions between artistic expression, political symbolism, and religious authority. The Vatican's intervention, justified by the image not conforming to "sacred context," sparked debate about art as propaganda and has led to stricter oversight for future restoration work in the church, requiring formal authorization from multiple state and religious bodies.