"An uncanny resemblance has prompted authorities to investigate a restored fresco in a church in Rome: An angel that seems to now bear the face of Italy's conservative prime minster, Giorgia Meloni. The story has been making waves in Italy since it was published in daily paper la Repubblica on January 31. The report claimed an angel in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina had been altered to resemble the 49-year-old far-right politician."
"The diocese of Rome and Italy's culture ministry reacted swiftly, launching investigations. Their quick reactions indicates little tolerance for a figure that many consider inappropriate for a holy space. Meloni herself has laughed off the incident, posting a picture on Instagram of the winged figure and writing "No, I definitely don't look like an angel." Meanwhile, the basilica has gained something akin to celebrity status in the days that have followed,"
"In 2000, one of the basilica's front chapels was renovated to include a bust of the last king of Italy, Umberto II. Included in the decoration was a cherub who appears to be kneeling in deference before the king. It's the very same cherub that many say resembles Italy's prime minister. Italy abolished the monarchy after World War II for supporting Fascist leader Benito Mussolini, and Meloni's party traces its origins to the neo-fascist movement that emerged after his rule."
An angel in the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina appears to have been altered during restoration to resemble Italy's conservative prime minister, Giorgia Meloni. The diocese of Rome and Italy's culture ministry have launched investigations into the restored fresco. Meloni posted a photo of the winged figure on Instagram and wrote, "No, I definitely don't look like an angel." The basilica has attracted many visitors and photographers, at times disrupting Mass. A 2000 renovation added a bust of Umberto II and a cherub kneeling before the king; Meloni's party traces roots to a postwar neo-fascist movement.
Read at www.dw.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]