The media drew attention to the similarity of one of the cherubs on Meloni after the restoration of a mural damaged by rain stains. It was carried out not by a professional artist, but by a church minister (sacristan) Bruno Valentinetti.
After the publicity, the local diocese stated that it did not agree to change the appearance of the angel, and turned to the master for clarification. Although Valentinetti insisted that he had reproduced the drawing from old sketches, the opposition Democratic Party insisted on an investigation into the possible “transformation of historical art into a propaganda tool.”
A few days later the angel's face was painted over. According to the restorer, this was done at the request of the Vatican.
Priest Daniele Micheletti told Ansa that this was a necessary measure, because most people came to look at the fresco and not to pray.
“This was unacceptable,” he emphasized.
Visitors to the church, in a conversation with journalists, supported the decision to erase the controversial face of the angel, although, according to the media, they were disappointed that they did not have time to see him. They noted that the image had to be restored “with respect for the history of the fresco and the church,” and suggested that Valentinetti painted the premiere because he supported her as a politician.
Meloni herself took to Instagram to react to the appearance of a cherub that looked like her on the mural.
“No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” she joked and posted a photo of the mural.
She has not yet commented on the fact that her face was painted over.
