Controversial Fresco of Italian PM Removed After Public Outcry

The face of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, which was controversially painted on a cherub in a Roman church, has been removed following public outrage and a cultural ministry investigation. The artwork, located in the Chapel of the Holy Souls of Purgatory at the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina, was completed last year but garnered attention when social media users highlighted the change. The volunteer restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, initially denied the likeness but later admitted it was Meloni's face, stating he was instructed to cover it up by the Vatican. The culture ministry emphasized that any restoration work in churches requires prior approval, which was not obtained in this case.

Key Details: • The fresco was located in the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina. • Restoration work must be preapproved by the Ministry of Culture. • The removal of the image was completed after public backlash.