Overview

• A man of Romanian origin vandalized the altar of the Confession in St. Peter's Basilica on February 7, throwing six candlesticks worth approximately €30,000 to the ground.
• The man also removed a white cloth from the altar before being apprehended by Vatican security and handed over to Italian authorities.
• The incident was filmed by onlookers, with the footage widely shared on social media, prompting strong reactions from religious figures, politicians, and the public.
• Vatican officials described the individual as suffering from severe mental health issues, though his motives remain unclear.
• This is the second recent act of desecration at the basilica, following a 2023 incident in which a man climbed the same altar and disrobed, necessitating a purification ritual.