Mural of angel removed by Vatican order

A freshly restored fresco in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, Rome, depicting an angel with a face resembling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, was erased at the Vatican’s request due to concerns over its use as political propaganda. The mural, originally meant to show cherubs watching over Italy’s last king, Umberto II, sparked controversy and drew crowds to the church. The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, insisted he was merely restoring an earlier design, while opposition politicians condemned the alteration. Meloni dismissed the uproar, humorously stating she does not resemble an angel.

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