Man disrupts St. Peter’s Basilica, climbs altar in front of security escort

A man is accused of urinating on the altar of Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, prompting a quick response from security personnel and attracting the attention of many visitors.

Security guards and plainclothes police quickly intervened and escorted the man out of the church, according to several Italian media outlets. The incident occurred in front of a large crowd, and the footage circulated widely online.

Vatican officials did not immediately release a statement, although some reports said Pope Francis was informed and “shocked to hear the news.”

This episode is the latest in a series of troubles that have occurred at the basilica in recent years. In February, another individual damaged ceremonial items on the same altar, according to the Catholic News Agency.

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“This is a case of a person with a serious mental disability who was arrested by the Vatican police and then made available to the Italian authorities,” Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said. in a statement to ANSA.

A similar incident occurred in 2023, when a Pole staged a protest near the altar, prompting the Vatican to subsequently hold a penance rite.

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The man reportedly stripped naked and climbed onto the altar, with the words “Save the Children of Ukraine” written on his back.

“When Vatican gendarmerie agents approached, the man did not resist but cooperated by taking him to the Vatican police station,” Vatican News reported at the time. “After confirming his identity, he was handed over to the Italian police and issued an expulsion order.”

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Under the Code of Canon Law (Canon 1211)Serious acts committed in a sacred place and provoking scandal among the faithful are considered attacks on the sacred character of the place. When this happens, public worship is suspended until a rite of penance is performed to restore the sanctity of the church.

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According to the Ceremonial of Bishops, such rites – often a mass or liturgy of the word – should take place as soon as possible after a desecration.

Stepheny Price covers crime including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to [email protected].