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Scandal in Italy: Image of Meloni replaced angel after restoration of famous basilica in Rome

The Prime Minister responded with a smile, the opposition demanded the intervention of the Minister of Culture

Feb 1, 2026 07:09 58

Scandal in Italy: Image of Meloni replaced angel after restoration of famous basilica in Rome  - 1

Italian media reported that after the restoration of a famous basilica in Rome, the image of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni appeared among the images. The building dates back to the 4thcentury and is among the most visited by tourists in the Italian capital.

Two angels watch over the marble bust of Umberto II of Savoy in the basilica San Lorenzo in Lucinain Rome. One has a familiar, startlingly modern face. We see it every day on the news, because it belongs to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Look closer, you won't believe it, but it's her," writes the daily newspaper "Repubblica." Before the restoration, this place had an image of a cherub. "Today, this is the face of the most powerful woman in the country - the wings, she holds a scroll with the image of the Italian Boot," describes the image in the daily newspaper.

His representatives found that the restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, had artistic talent, and a church volunteer was a sympathizer of the far-right party „Fiamma tricolore”. After hearing the news, Meloni responded via social media with a smile:No, I definitely don't look like an angel“. The opposition, requested the intervention of Minister of Culture Alessandro Giuli.