(ZENIT News / Vatican City, 02.07.2025).- St. Peter’s Basilica, one of the most sacred sites in Christianity, was once again the scene of a shocking act of vandalism. On the morning of Friday, February 7, 2025, just before 11 a.m., a man of Romanian origin managed to breach the barriers restricting access to the central altar and proceeded to destroy six 19th-century candlesticks, each valued at approximately €30,000. He also removed the altar cloth before Vatican security intervened.
The individual, whose actions left tourists and worshippers in shock, was subdued before Vatican Gendarmerie officers arrived several minutes later.
A Recurring Security Challenge
This is not the first time St. Peter’s Basilica has faced such an incident. In June 2023, a man stripped naked and climbed onto the same altar, an event that was widely recorded by visitors. The repeated breaches of security at such a high-profile religious site raise questions about the effectiveness of existing protective measures and the potential risks posed by individuals seeking attention or acting out due to mental distress.
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Vatican Response
Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, later addressed the incident, explaining that the perpetrator was a person with severe psychiatric issues. “He was taken into custody by the Vatican Gendarmerie and handed over to Italian authorities,” Bruni stated.
While the incident was contained without physical harm to individuals, the damage to historical artifacts and the apparent ease with which the man reached the altar have reignited discussions about security inside St. Peter’s Basilica.
Balancing Open Access with Security
As one of the world’s most visited religious landmarks, St. Peter’s Basilica sees thousands of tourists and pilgrims daily. The Vatican has historically maintained an open and welcoming environment, allowing visitors to experience the grandeur of the church without excessive restrictions. However, this latest act of vandalism underscores the challenge of balancing accessibility with the need to protect sacred and historical treasures.
Given the recurring nature of such incidents, Vatican officials may now face pressure to reassess security protocols to prevent further disruptions. Whether this leads to stricter access controls, increased surveillance, or more rapid response teams remains to be seen.
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