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A freshly restored angel figure inside Rome’s historic San Lorenzo in Lucina Basilica has set off a nationwide discussion in Italy after viewers claimed the face looks like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
This turned a routine conservation project into a political and cultural talking point.
Located in central Rome and dating back to the 4th century, San Lorenzo in Lucina Basilica recently saw restoration work carried out on parts of its frescoes.
According to Italian daily La Repubblica, one of the angel figures in a restored fresco drew attention because its expression was said to resemble Meloni, a leader described in the report as someone Italians see “every day in the news” and as one of the country’s most powerful women.
The allegation spread further as photos circulated on social media, where the supposed similarity was picked up widely and quickly became a subject of public debate.
Bishop Daniele Micheletti, who is responsible for the basilica, told ANSA that he had read the story in the morning press and went to look at the restoration himself.
He said there did appear to be a certain resemblance, while adding that any explanation for why the face turned out that way should be directed to the person who carried out the restoration.
He also stressed he had asked for the work to be done “exactly as it was,” noting he did not know whether the angel’s facial features had looked that way before.
In a separate statement to ANSA, the Diocese of Rome said the fresco’s Meloni-like appearance was met “with astonishment,” and it indicated that an artistic intervention seemed obvious.
The diocese also said it had not been aware of the issue or informed about the restorer’s intent, and that it was now looking into what happened.
The controversy soon shifted beyond social media as opposition parties weighed in.
Italy’s main opposition Democratic Party (PD), along with the Five Star Movement and the Green and Left Alliance (AVS), reacted to the reports and asked Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli to launch an investigation and clarify the circumstances surrounding the restoration.
Meloni addressed the viral comparisons through her social media account by sharing the fresco image and writing, “No, I definitely do not look like an angel,” leaning into the moment with irony.
Meanwhile, the restoration lead, Bruno Valentinetti, rejected the idea that the angel’s face was meant to resemble the prime minister.
He argued that he had restored what was already there, saying he had replicated the earlier version from 25 years ago and had to use the same designs and colors. He dismissed the uproar by saying the wider claims were fabricated.
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