On the case of theangel with a face resembling that of Giorgia Meloni, which appeared in the Chapel of the Crucifix in the Basilica of San Lorenzo in Lucina, the Diocese of Rome clarifies that there are no imminent steps taken by the Vatican for the removal or modification of the work. When questioned by Finestre sull’Arte, the diocese’s press office explained that, at the moment, the only official information available remains that released in previous Vicariate communiqués. “At the moment there is no further news to be given than the latest communiqués we have released,” they confirmed, reiterating that these are the only official communications to refer to. The press office also clarified that the matter is being looked into further. “We are looking into the matter and see what comes out. The last statement released was Cardinal Reina’s on Jan. 31. Further investigation will be done, and yes, in short, this is the latest statement.”
When asked if the diocese was in agreement with the Superintendence(we questioned them as well) for any developments, the press office said, “Well, yes, of course everyone will do their own checks.”
As for the official position, on Jan. 31, 2026, Cardinal Baldo Reina, the Pope’s vicar for the diocese of Rome, stated “The Cardinal Vicar of His Holiness, Baldo Reina, distances himself from the statements of Monsignor Micheletti and expresses his bitterness about what happened. He will immediately initiate the necessary investigations to verify the possible responsibilities of those involved. In renewing the commitment of the Diocese of Rome to the custody of the artistic and spiritual patrimony, it firmly reiterates that images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be the object of improper use or instrumentalization, since they are intended exclusively to support liturgical life and personal and community prayer.”
The matter, at the moment, therefore, remains in a waiting and in-depth phase. No action has been taken on the angel’s face, and any final assessment will depend on the outcome of ongoing verifications by both the diocese and the Superintendence.
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| Angelo-Meloni, no removal for now: no action yet |
The author of this article: Noemi Capoccia
Originaria di Lecce, classe 1995, ha conseguito la laurea presso l'Accademia di Belle Arti di Carrara nel 2021. Le sue passioni sono l'arte antica e l'archeologia. Dal 2024 lavora in Finestre sull'Arte.Warning: the translation into English of the original Italian article was created using automatic tools. We undertake to review all articles, but we do not guarantee the total absence of inaccuracies in the translation due to the program. You can find the original by clicking on the ITA button. If you find any mistake,please contact us.
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