Overview

• Pope Leon XIV ordered the act of reparation after a man urinated near the Altar of the Confession on October 10, an incident captured on video and shared on social media.
• Vatican security subdued the suspect and the Gendarmerie handed him over to Italian authorities, with Vatican sources identifying him as a Kosovar national.
• Officials reported no damage to the altar, and the rite included prayers, blessed water, and incense to restore the sanctity of the site.
• Authorities have not stated a motive and reports note the possibility of mental health issues, which remains unconfirmed.
• The episode has renewed scrutiny of access and security at the basilica, with protocols under review and added barriers and cameras under consideration following similar disruptions in 2023 and February 2025.