{"id":119545,"date":"2026-02-03T09:46:10","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T14:46:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cablemanpro.com\/wallstreetpr\/mysterious-cherub-face-pops-up-at-sacred-tourist-site-as-officials-launch-investigation-119545"},"modified":"2026-02-03T09:46:10","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T14:46:10","slug":"mysterious-cherub-face-pops-up-at-sacred-tourist-site-as-officials-launch-investigation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cablemanpro.com\/wallstreetpr\/mysterious-cherub-face-pops-up-at-sacred-tourist-site-as-officials-launch-investigation-119545","title":{"rendered":"Mysterious cherub face pops up at sacred tourist site as officials launch investigation"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

A mysterious cherub face has popped up in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, Italy<\/a> \u2014 prompting officials to launch an investigation.<\/p>\n

The cherub closely resembles Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a restored fresco that honors Italy\u2019s King Umberto II depicting Angels, The Associated Press (AP) reported.<\/p>\n

The Meloni-like cherub is shown in a deferential pose toward the king.\u00a0<\/p>\n

WORLD\u2019S LARGEST NATIVITY SCENE TOWERS OVER CITY WITH RECORD-BREAKING HOLY FIGURES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Some people are interpreting this as a pointed allusion to Italians\u2019 post\u2013World War II<\/a> rejection of the monarchy after its support for fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.<\/p>\n

The diocese of Rome addressed the controversy in press releases, noting that the fresco was being restored in a project.<\/p>\n

They “had been aware since 2023 of a restoration project<\/a>, without modifying or adding anything, on the fresco in question, recently made [in] 2000. Therefore, the modification of the cherub’s face was an initiative of the decorator not communicated to the competent bodies,” said one of the statements.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

“The diocese of Rome\u2019s commitment to the preservation of its artistic and spiritual heritage, it is firmly reiterated that images of sacred art and Christian tradition<\/a> cannot be misused or exploited, as they are intended exclusively to support liturgical life and personal and communal prayer,” the releases also conveyed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Local craftsman and restoration volunteer Bruno Valentinetti told the local press he sees no resemblance between the painting and Meloni.<\/p>\n

Meloni poked fun at the painting, sharing a photo on Facebook with the caption, “No, I definitely don\u2019t look like an angel” \u2014 along with a laughing emoji.<\/p>\n

Rev. Daniele Micheletti told AP that many artists have depicted real people in their paintings.<\/p>\n

“The priest is not responsible for the decorations in the sense that the owner is someone else,” Micheletti said. “So, what do they want from me? I did not do the painting.”<\/p>\n

The basilica is one of the oldest churches in Rome, consecrated in the 5th century by Pope Sixtus III \u2014 and is located near the Spanish Steps.<\/p>\n

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The structure was destroyed during World War II and numerous frescoes were lost in raids, according to Jubilee 2025.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

The Associated Press contributed reporting.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Source – https:\/\/www.foxnews.com\/travel\/mysterious-cherub-face-pops-up-sacred-tourist-site-officials-investigate <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A mysterious cherub face has popped up in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, Italy \u2014 prompting officials to launch an investigation. 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