A man was removed by Vatican security after urinating on the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica, shocking Pope Francis and visitors alike.
Vatican security swiftly intervened on Friday when a man climbed onto the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica and allegedly urinated on it, an act that drew immediate attention from visitors and staff alike.
Witnesses reported that the incident unfolded in full view of a large crowd, prompting security personnel and plainclothes police officers to escort the man out of the church. Footage of the event has circulated widely on social media, highlighting the shocking nature of the disturbance.
While Vatican officials have yet to release an official statement, reports indicate that Pope Francis was informed about the incident and was “shocked to learn of the news.” This event marks the latest in a troubling series of disturbances at the iconic basilica.
In February, another individual caused a scene by damaging ceremonial items on the same altar, according to the Catholic News Agency. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni described the latest incident as involving “a person with a serious mental disability” who was detained by Vatican Police and subsequently handed over to Italian authorities.
In a similar incident earlier this year, a Polish man staged a protest near the altar, which led the Vatican to hold a penitential rite afterward. During that protest, the individual undressed and climbed onto the altar, with the phrase “Save children of Ukraine” written on his back.
As Vatican Gendarmerie officers approached the man during that incident, he reportedly did not resist and cooperated as they led him to the police station within the Vatican. After confirming his identity, he was turned over to Italian police and issued an expulsion order.
According to the Code of Canon Law (Canon 1211), serious acts committed in sacred places that cause scandal to the faithful are considered violations of the site’s holiness. In such cases, public worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.
The Ceremonial of Bishops stipulates that these rites—often involving a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word—should take place as soon as possible following any desecration.
This recent incident has raised concerns about the safety and sanctity of one of the world’s most revered religious sites, as the Vatican continues to grapple with disturbances that challenge its spiritual environment.
Source: Original article