Italy Probes Church Angel's Resemblance to PM Giorgia Meloni

• Italian cultural authorities and the Diocese of Rome launched inquiries into a restored angel at the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina after reports of its resemblance to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
• La Repubblica newspaper first highlighted the resemblance, stating the angel's face was 'astonishingly contemporary' and now looked like 'the most powerful woman in the country'.
• Meloni herself commented on Instagram, posting a picture of the angel and humorously writing, 'No, I definitely do not look like an angel.'
• The parish priest, Daniele Micheletti, acknowledged a 'certain resemblance' but stated he asked for the chapel to be restored exactly as it was, while the restorer, Bruno Valentinetti, denied political links and claimed he restored the original design from 25 years ago.
• Opposition figures and the Diocese of Rome expressed concern, with the latter emphasizing that sacred art should not be misused or exploited for propaganda.

Why It Matters: Italy investigates a church angel's controversial resemblance to PM Meloni, sparking debate on art and politics.