Foto Giorgia Meloni / Instagram
What gave rise to such discussions?
As Euronews notes, the work in the basilica has been going on since 2023 according to the formula “without changes or additions”. Church authorities justify that the introduction of Meloni’s features into the appearance of the cherub was an independent initiative of the restorer. Abbot Daniele Micheletti told Italian media that he did not remember what the angel’s face on the fresco had originally been and that such an appearance was “not a problem” for him.
Restorer Bruno Valentinetti considers the scandal “drawn out by the ears”. “Who said it was Prime Minister Meloni? – he wonders. – The priest didn’t say that, he said there was a resemblance.” The restorer recalls that he himself painted this fresco in 2000 and has restored it extremely accurately now.
How did Meloni react?
Meanwhile, Giorgia Meloni reacted to the story with humor. “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” she wrote on social media.
But the opposition Democratic Party went on the offensive, calling for urgent intervention by the culture minister over the breach of the Cultural Heritage Code. According to the party, arbitrary alterations and modern “customizations” of protected heritage is an unacceptable precedent that goes beyond the scientific criteria for restoration.
The call was heeded and the ministry ordered a technical inspection of the mural. Observers, however, recall that it has no protected status because it is a new fresco.
