Italy’s Ministry of Culture sent officials to inspect the artwork, while the Diocese of Rome expressed “disappointment” and said it intends to identify those responsible. The restoration artist, Bruno Valentinetti, 83, denied using Meloni as a model, insisting he only restored the fresco he originally painted in 2000.
Meloni herself responded on social media, stating she is “definitely not like an angel,” accompanied by a laughing emoji. The controversy gained traction after La Repubblica published before-and-after images of the fresco, showing the angel holding a map of Italy had shifted from a “generic cherub” to a figure bearing alleged similarities to the prime minister.
The parish priest maintained that the alterations were merely touch-ups following water damage, expressing surprise at the public uproar. “Painters used to include all sorts of elements in frescoes,” said Monsignor Daniele Micheletti.
Opposition parties quickly demanded a formal inquiry. Irene Manzi of the Democratic Party called the situation “unacceptable,” while the Five Star Movement warned that art should not be used as a “tool for political propaganda.”
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered technical officials to assess the restoration “to determine the nature of the intervention” and the next steps. The Diocese confirmed it had been aware of the restoration but was not informed of any changes to the angel’s face.
Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope’s Vicar for the Diocese of Rome, will lead an immediate investigation to determine responsibility and reaffirmed the commitment to protecting the artistic and spiritual heritage of the church from misuse or political exploitation.
