Key Facts
• The fresco angel painting in Rome’s San Lorenzo in Lucina Cathedral was restored in December 2025.
• Complaints arose that the restored angel resembles Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• Meloni denied looking like the angel in an Instagram post with a laughing emoji.
• Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered an investigation by city archaeology and heritage authorities.
• The fresco was originally created in 2000 and is not a protected cultural heritage.
• Authorities will compare 2000 documents and photos with the 2025 restoration.
• Restorer Bruno Valentinetti claims he only copied the original and worked as a volunteer.
• The chapel is now nicknamed the “Meloni Chapel,” attracting many visitors.
• Social media features comments from both Meloni supporters and opposition members.
Summary
In Rome, Italy, a restored fresco angel painting in the San Lorenzo in Lucina Cathedral has sparked controversy for its striking resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The restoration, completed in December 2025, led to complaints and prompted Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli to order an official investigation. The fresco, originally painted in 2000 and not classified as protected cultural heritage, is under review by city authorities who will compare archival materials with the recent restoration. The restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, denies intentionally modeling the angel after Meloni, stating he simply replicated the original artwork as a volunteer. The incident has drawn significant public attention, with the chapel now informally called the “Meloni Chapel” and social media abuzz with reactions from both supporters and critics of the prime minister.
