Roman fresco angel sparks Meloni lookalike debate

The facial expression of one of the angel figures in a fresco restored at the historic San Lorenzo in Lucina Basilica in Rome, Italy’s capital, has sparked public debate after it was noticed to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency.

According to La Repubblica, the fresco in question is located in the basilica in the city center, whose history dates back to the 4th century. The newspaper reported that the face resembles Prime Minister Meloni, “one of the most powerful women in the country and a figure seen in the news every day.”

Photos shared on social media showing the angel’s likeness to Meloni quickly drew widespread attention and triggered controversy.

Speaking to ANSA, Bishop Daniele Micheletti, who is responsible for the basilica, said:

“I read the news in the newspaper this morning and went to see the restoration. There is indeed a certain resemblance, but you would have to ask the restorer why it was done this way. I don’t know the reason. I asked for the restoration to be done exactly as it was. There was an angel there, but I don’t know whether the facial features were like that.”

In a statement to ANSA, the Diocese of Rome said the fresco resembling Meloni was met “with astonishment,” adding: “It is clear that the artist intervened. We were completely unaware of this matter and of the restorer’s intentions, and we were not informed. We are now investigating what happened.”

Opposition parties reacted strongly, while Prime Minister Meloni also commented on the issue. The main opposition Democratic Party (PD), along with the Five Star Movement and the Green and Left Alliance (AVS), criticized the restoration and called on Italy’s Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, to launch an investigation and clarify the matter.

Meloni, for her part, shared a photo of the fresco on social media with an ironic caption: “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel.”

The restorer at the center of the controversy, Bruno Valentinetti, rejected claims that the angel resembles Meloni, saying:

“Who says this face is Prime Minister Meloni’s? The priest didn’t say that — he said it looks similar. For this face, I restored exactly what was there 25 years ago. I had to use the same designs and colors from 25 years ago. It could not be changed. As for the controversy, I say it’s all made up.”