Man Assaults High Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in Shocking Vatican Incident

A man desecrated the main altar of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican on February 7, 2025, by climbing atop it and throwing six candelabras to the ground. The incident was reported by the Italian News agency ANSA, which stated that the man was quickly detained by security personnel after he began to remove the altar cloth.

The suspect, identified as Romanian, was arrested by the Vatican Police and charged by the Vatican Inspectorate. Matteo Bruni, director of the Holy See Press Office, described the man as having a serious mental disability and stated he was subsequently handed over to Italian authorities.

The incident at St. Peter’s Basilica has raised concerns about security in one of the most significant religious sites in the world. The man’s actions were captured on video and quickly circulated on social media. Following the incident, Vatican authorities emphasized the importance of maintaining the sanctity of sacred spaces.

Key details include:

• The man threw six candelabras from the altar.
• He was detained shortly after the alarm was triggered.
• This follows a similar incident in 2023 when a man undressed on the altar.

According to the Code of Canon Law, only items that serve worship are permitted in sacred places. This incident highlights ongoing challenges related to mental health and security within religious institutions. The Vatican continues to work with Italian authorities to address these issues and ensure the safety of visitors and worshippers alike.

This incident underscores the need for vigilance in protecting sacred sites. The Vatican’s response reflects a commitment to addressing both security and mental health concerns, ensuring that such acts of vandalism do not undermine the sanctity of religious practices.