Overview
- The Ministry of Culture directed the Soprintendenza Speciale di Roma to conduct a technical inspection to assess the recent intervention and determine next steps.
- The Vicariate of Rome said the alteration to the cherub’s face was not communicated to authorities, announced an internal inquiry, and noted a 2023 notice had specified no changes.
- Archival verification is underway to establish whether the early‑2000s decoration by Bruno Valentinetti was formally authorized and whether any protective rules apply in the FEC‑owned church.
- Valentinetti, an 83‑year‑old sacristan and decorator whose signature appears on the repainting, denies intentionally portraying Meloni and says he retraced his earlier work.
- Opposition parties called for action under the Cultural Heritage Code, crowds lined up to view the chapel, and Meloni joked online that she does not resemble an angel.