Meloni's photo placed alongside an angel in an Italian church, sparking outrage; Mussolini connection

News Topical, Digital Desk : A portrait of a Cherub (an angel-like child) installed in a church in Rome has sparked controversy. The image is said to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

Italian newspapers published photos of this cherub (believed to be an angel) resembling Meloni, sparking a strong public reaction.

The issue became so serious that the Diocese of Rome and the Italian Ministry of Culture launched an investigation. People are considering it a political message, as the cherub appears to be bowing before the king.

It all began with the renovation of a chapel built in 2000. There is a statue of Italy's last king, Umberto II, flanked by two angels. One angel kneels before the king, holding a map of Italy. The recent repairs were due to a water leak that began in 2023. However, after the restoration, the face of this cherub was transformed and now resembles Meloni.

Why is there so much commotion?

Italian newspapers published before-and-after photos, sparking controversy. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli ordered an investigation into whether the restorer deliberately altered Meloni's face. The Diocese of Rome also stated that the original 2000 image did not have such a face. The restoration, which altered the Cherub's face in the restoration, was unauthorized. Now, old documents and photos are being examined to determine what it once looked like.

The church is now filled with tourists and visitors, who come to see the cherub resembling Meloni. People have dubbed it the "Meloni Chapel." Some consider it a joke, while others call it a political conspiracy.

Meloni's witty reply

Prime Minister Georgia Meloni shared the photo on social media, writing, " No, I don't look like an angel at all. "

His response went viral. Meloni's right-wing party has its roots in the neo-fascist party, which was formed after Mussolini's death. Italy abolished the monarchy after World War II because the king supported Mussolini. Therefore, Cherub's bowing before the king and his Meloni-like face have been seen by many as a political conspiracy.

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