An individual is alleged to have urinated on the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, leading to a prompt reaction from security personnel and garnering notice from numerous visitors.
Multiple Italian news outlets reported that security staff and plainclothes police officers rapidly intervened, escorting the man out of the church. The event unfolded openly before a substantial crowd, and video footage has been widely shared online.
No immediate statement had been issued, although some reports indicated that Pope Francis was informed and expressed “shock to learn of the news.”
This episode represents the latest in a series of such incidents at the basilica in recent years. In February, another individual damaged ceremonial items on the same altar, as reported.
“This is an incident involving a person with a serious mental disability who has been apprehended by the Vatican Police and subsequently handed over to the Italian authorities,” stated Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni.
In 2023, a comparable incident took place when a Polish man conducted a protest close to the altar, which led the Vatican to perform a penitential rite subsequently.
The man reportedly disrobed and ascended onto the altar, displaying the words “Save children of Ukraine” on his back.
Vatican News reported at the time that, “As officers of the Vatican Gendarmerie approached, the man offered no resistance but cooperated as they escorted him to the police station inside the Vatican.” It further stated, “After his identity was confirmed, he was transferred to the Italian police and issued an expulsion order.”
Under the existing provisions, grave acts committed in a sacred location that cause offense to the faithful are regarded as violations of the site’s holiness. Should this occur, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is conducted to reestablish the church’s sanctity.
As per guidance, such rites – frequently a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word – should be performed as promptly as possible following a desecration.