An angel in a church in Rome is said to resemble the face of Giorgia Meloni. Image: EPA ANSA
02/03/2026, 11:2902/03/2026, 11:29
After Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was apparently depicted as an angel with wings following restoration work in one of Rome’s oldest churches, the Roman monument authority is examining a return to its original state. If it is confirmed that the intervention took place without authorization, the original version will be restored, the authority said.
The angel fresco is located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina next to a marble bust of Umberto II of Savoy, the last king of Italy. The angel is holding a parchment with a map of Italy.
The angel on the right is said to be similar to Giorgia Meloni.image: afp
The daily newspaper “La Repubblica” reported on the striking similarity on Saturday. The 82-year-old artist Bruno Valentinetti, who restored the fresco, is considered a Meloni sympathizer. The opposition then called on Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli to commission the Roman authority responsible for archeology and art history to carry out an audit.
Close-up of the angel.image: afp
Rome’s monument authority examines archive documents
The Rome City Monuments Authority then launched an internal investigation. Using archive documents, photographs and design drawings, it should be clarified whether the current appearance differs from the original version. If an unauthorized change is found, removing the overpainting and returning it to the original condition would be considered, it said.
The basilica is located in the historic center of Rome and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Even if the fresco is not considered an ancient work of art, interventions are subject to approval. A change in the angel’s face was not reported to the responsible authorities, it was said. The investigations are ongoing and a final decision is still pending.
Since Saturday, hundreds of people have flocked to the basilica to view the fresco up close. The well-known Italian comedian Fiorello joked on the radio: “The angel Meloni creates a miracle and brings the Romans back to church.” (sda/apa)