A man caused minor damage at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on February 8, 2025, after jumping onto the main altar and knocking over candelabra worth approximately €30,000 ($31,000). The incident involved a suspect from Romania, who was detained by Vatican Police and later transferred to Italian authorities.
- Man causes damage at St. Peter’s Basilica
- Incident captured on video, security intervenes
- Suspect identified as Romanian with mental disability
- Candelabra damaged valued at €30,000
- Basilica prepares for upcoming jubilee year
- Previous attacks on art pieces noted
Video footage shows the individual climbing onto the altar, which is used for significant liturgical events presided over by Pope Francis, pulling off the altar cloth before being stopped by security in front of shocked tourists.
The incident at St. Peter’s Basilica highlights ongoing concerns regarding security at religious sites, particularly as the Catholic Church prepares for the upcoming jubilee year, which is expected to attract millions of pilgrims to Rome. The altar, situated beneath a restored stone canopy by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, is central to major liturgical celebrations.
Key details include:
- The candelabra knocked over were valued at approximately €30,000 ($31,000).
- The suspect has been identified as having a serious mental disability.
- This incident is not isolated; a similar event occurred in 2019.
In response to previous attacks, the basilica has implemented additional security measures, including protective glass around Michelangelo’s Pieta sculpture. The Vatican is taking steps to enhance safety for the expected influx of visitors during the jubilee year, which anticipates around 32 million pilgrims.
This incident at St. Peter’s Basilica serves as a reminder of the importance of security at cultural and religious landmarks, especially during periods of heightened visitor activity, such as the jubilee year.
