A recently restored fresco showing an angel in Rome's Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina caused a stir after its face looked like Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Photos of the cherub sparked outrage. The artist, Bruno Valentinetti, first denied the resemblance but later confirmed it was indeed the PM's face. He told la Repubblica he was ordered by the Vatican to cover it up. The Diocese of Rome said the original facial features will be restored. Cardinal Baldassare Reina expressed "disappointment over what happened" and said, "images of sacred art and Christian tradition cannot be misused or exploited." The basilica, close to Meloni's office, saw many visitors coming just to see the fresco and take selfies, not to pray, said priest Rev. Daniele Michelett. He admitted the image did not "conform to the original iconography and sacred context". The fresco was painted in 2000, not heritage protected, and shows a cherub holding a map of Italy. Valentinetti also painted the original and was restoring it after water damage. Rome's cultural preservation agency has now told the church that future restoration must have authorization and a proposed sketch. The BBC has reached out to the Vatican for comments.