Politicians have been sneaking into religious art for centuries. The Byzantine emperor Justinian had himself depicted in a mosaic in the basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna. But even in medieval times, as Claudio Strinati, an art historian, put it, “no one appears to have dared become an angel.” ■

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni calls Trump's NATO comments about Afghanistan "unacceptable," defending Italy's sacrifice of 53 soldiers killed in the conflict.

Don’t tell Jill! “Amtrak Joe” Biden gave away a custom-designed sterling-silver train set gifted to him by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and a host of other presents world leaders lavished on him during his final year in office – but had a special place in his heart for Italian PM Giorgia Meloni’s gift.

A Roman basilica’s removal of a cherub resembling Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reveals how quickly sacred art can become political symbolism. The controversy highlighted tensions between church and state,

Controversy erupts over a restored fresco in Rome's Basilica of San Lorenzo showing a cherub that reportedly looks like Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Officials are investigating.

An investigation has been launched after an artist was accused of painting over a classical cherub to resemble Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Bruno Valentinetti was commissioned to restore a fresco mural he painted in the chapel of the Basilica of St Lawrence in Lucina 25 years ago,

By Crispian Balmer ROME, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Former army general Roberto Vannacci quit the League group, part of Italy's governing coalition, on Tuesday to set up his own far-right party, potentially complicating Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's hopes of winning re-election next year.