An angel restored inside a historic church in central Rome has ignited controversy after appearing to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, prompting a government review and political criticism, while the prime minister herself treated the episode lightly.
Italian daily La Repubblica first highlighted the issue in a front-page report on Saturday, publishing before-and-after photographs of one of two angels painted in a chapel of the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina. The newspaper said the figure, once resembling a generic cherub, now bears a striking likeness to the 49-year-old conservative leader.
Ministry orders inspection amid political criticism
Following the report, Italy’s culture ministry said it instructed Rome’s top art heritage official to conduct a same-day inspection of the restored painting before determining any further action. Officials noted that the artwork dates back only to 2000 and therefore does not fall under formal heritage protection rules.
Nevertheless, opposition figures criticised the episode. The Five Star Movement warned that art and culture should not become instruments of propaganda, regardless of whether the image resembles the sitting prime minister. The comments added a political edge to what initially appeared to be a local restoration matter.
Artist and parish reject alteration claims
Meanwhile, parish priest Daniele Micheletti told ANSA that restorations took place after water damage affected the chapel’s decorations. He said the work aimed to preserve existing artwork rather than introduce new elements.
Artist Bruno Valentinetti, who originally painted the angels and later carried out the restoration, rejected claims of intentional alteration. He said he merely restored what already existed, insisting the image looked the same 25 years ago.
Meloni, however, dismissed the controversy with humour. Posting an image of the angel on Instagram, she wrote, “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” adding a laughing emoji. Her response appeared to defuse tensions as debate over art, politics, and perception continued.
