By order of the Vatican and with white paint, Meloni’s features were erased from the controversial mural.

Rome, Italy – In a surprising move that sparked a wave of media and artistic controversy in Italy and Europe, the Vatican decided to remove the image of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni from a controversial mural adorning one of the squares of a historic church in Rome.

Those responsible for the project used white paint to cover her features. They asserted that the decision was made “to preserve the spiritual and artistic character of the space.” This sparked widespread debate among artists, critics, and political observers about the implications of this action.

Political analysts considered the move an indirect message, suggesting that prominent political figures could become symbols that can be erased from the public sphere if deemed controversial or inappropriate for a historical and religious context. Others viewed the decision as a purely artistic precaution, devoid of any political dimension. However, it simultaneously reignited the debate about the relationship between art and politics in Italy. The public on social media platforms seized the opportunity to comment. Internet users shared before-and-after images of the mural, with comments ranging from mockery to condemnation. This propelled the issue to the forefront of local and international media attention.