Man Desecrates Altar of St. Peter's Basilica
A man was detained by security after urinating on the Altar of Confession of St. Peter's Basilica on Friday.
According to the Roman newspaper Corriere Della Sera, the man climbed the altar and "urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists."
The man climbed the altar and "urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists."
Video of the desecration was widely shared on social media. Il Tempo reported that the man was promptly escorted out of the church by plainclothes police officers.
Pope Leo XIV was reportedly "shocked to learn of the news," though the Holy See Press Office had not released a statement about the incident.
This incident is not the first time the altar has been vandalized this year.
Author's summary: Man detained for desecrating St. Peter's Basilica altar.
- Location: St. Peter's Basilica
- Date: Friday
- Incident: Man urinated on the Altar of Confession
More News
- Durham Osteopathy Receives 2025 Consumer Choice Award
- UFC 323 Results
- Durham Council Delays Major Development at Former Police Headquarters
- Marvin Vettori's Comeback: Aiming to End His Three-Fight Skid at UFC 323
- Time to talk about Bruno! Brunno Ferreira defeats Marvin Vettori by Unanimous Decision
- View from the Opposition: Scott Parker on the challenge Palace pose
- Scott Parker Newcastle Press Conference
- Analysis: Spirited response can't mask issues at both ends
- Durham University
- Bridging Generations in B&NES to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day 2026