Rome: An angel figure resembling Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been removed from a fresco in a Rome church after Vatican authorities raised objections. The fresco, located in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, was restored last year by artist Bruno Valentinetti.

According to Anadolu Agency, the resemblance was reported by Italian media earlier this month, leading to an inquiry by the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Ministry of Culture. Valentinetti later acknowledged that the image was inspired by Meloni. Church officials stated that the depiction did not conform to the original iconography or the sacred nature of the site, and the artist subsequently painted over the face at the request of Vatican authorities.

Rome's Cardinal Baldassare Reina emphasized in a statement that "Images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited." The office of the Diocese of Rome confirmed that the original facial features of the figure will be restored.

The Ministry of Culture also highlighted that any restoration work in the church requires prior authorization from relevant institutions.