Overview
- Witnesses and local outlets reported the man reached the Altar of the Confession around 9–9:30 a.m. Friday and urinated during a Mass before plainclothes officers intervened.
- Vatican Gendarmerie removed and detained the individual at the scene, and the area around the altar was cordoned off for cleaning.
- Video of the act circulated widely on social media and was shared by Italian media including Corriere della Sera.
- Media accounts say Pope León XIV was informed and described as shocked, while the Holy See has not issued an official statement.
- Reports in Il Tempo and other outlets revived criticism of security protocols at St. Peter’s, citing earlier breaches in 2023 and February 2025 and naming Cardinal Mauro Gambetti’s stewardship as a focus of concern.