A Romanian suspect caused a stir at the renowned St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican by toppling candelabra valued at €30,000 ($31,000). The incident unfolded at the altar situated beneath the iconic stone canopy crafted by the Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, recently restored to its former glory.
The incident came to light through a video posted on social media platform X, capturing the individual climbing onto the altar. This area holds significant importance as it serves as the site for major liturgical events presided over by Pope Francis. Fortunately, the disturbance resulted in only minor damage to the 19th-century candelabra.
This is not the first time St. Peter's Basilica has faced such an incident. In 2019, a similar act of vandalism occurred when a man, reportedly struggling with mental health issues, threw candelabra off the main altar. The basilica has since taken steps to enhance security measures, including installing protective glass in front of Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture. This precaution follows a 1972 attack on the renowned sculpture with a hammer.
The recent act of vandalism comes as Vatican authorities are gearing up for an anticipated influx of visitors during the jubilee year. An estimated 32 million pilgrims are expected to travel to Rome in 2025, prompting preparations to accommodate this substantial increase in foot traffic.
