Mysterious cherub face pops up at sacred tourist site as officials launch investigation

Angels are shown on a fresco to the memory of Italy’s King Umberto II inside the Basilica of St.Lawrence in Lucina in Rome.(Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)

The diocese of Rome addressed the controversy in press releases, noting that the fresco was being restored in a project.

They “had been aware since 2023 of arestoration project, without modifying or adding anything, on the fresco in question, recently made [in] 2000.Therefore, the modification of the cherub’s face was an initiative of the decorator not communicated to the competent bodies,” said one of the statements. 

sacred art and Christian traditioncannot be misused or exploited, as they are intended exclusively to support liturgical life and personal and communal prayer,” the releases also conveyed. 

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Local craftsman and restoration volunteer Bruno Valentinetti told the local press he sees no resemblance between the painting and Meloni.

The basilica is one of the oldest churches in Rome, first consecrated by Pope Sixtus III.It is located near the Spanish Steps.(Gregorio Borgia/AP Photo)

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Meloni poked fun at the painting, sharing a photo on Facebook with the caption, “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel” — along with a laughing emoji.

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Rev.Daniele Micheletti told AP that many artists have depicted real people in their paintings.

“No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” joked Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Facebook.(Andre J.Isakovic/AFP via Getty Images)

“The priest is not responsible for the decorations in the sense that the owner is someone else,” Micheletti said.“So, what do they want from me?I did not do the painting.”

The basilica, located near the Spanish Steps, is one of the oldest churches in Rome, consecrated in the 5th century by Pope Sixtus III.

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The structure was destroyed during World War II and numerous frescoes were lost in raids, according to Jubilee 2025.

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The Associated Press contributed reporting. 

Ashley J.