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Italy investigates church painting of angel restored to look like Meloni
The restored cherub in Rome's San Lorenzo in Lucina Basilica resembles Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting investigations by Italy's Culture Ministry and the Diocese of Rome.
- On Feb. 1, 2026, a freshly restored angel in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina drew national attention after viewers said its face resembled Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, with images circulating widely.
- Because the paintings dated to 2000, they were not under heritage protection, and Bruno Valentinetti, the restorer, said he traced and returned faces to their original state.
- The Diocese of Rome announced it would investigate after expressing surprise and disappointment, while Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered a same-day inspection including delegate Daniela Porro.
- The culture ministry and church launched inquiries as the basilica was jammed with visitors on Sunday and Monday, with Meloni joking on Instagram that she does not resemble an angel.
- Press reports highlighted the restorer's conservative ties, including past work for Silvio Berlusconi, while opposition parties including the Five Star Movement and Democratic Party urged a formal review and warned against propaganda.
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186 Articles
186 Articles
Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
Catholic Church and Italy investigate sacred and profane cherub seemingly modeled on Meloni
The appearance in a Roman church of a cherub that bears a striking resemblance to Premier Giorgia Meloni has sparked a minor scandal for both church and state in Italy.
·United States
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After his restoration, a fresco in a church in Rome makes a stir. An angel now wears features similar to those of the head of government Meloni. She takes it with humor, but not everyone can laugh at the resemblance.
·Hamburg, Germany
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Bruno Valentinetti, who did the restoration, has denied having altered the image.
·Finland
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources186
Leaning Left38Leaning Right27Center44Last UpdatedBias Distribution40% Center
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources are Center
40% Center
L 35%
C 40%
R 25%
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