Man Ransacks Altar at St. Peter’s Basilica, Knocking Over Priceless Candelabra
A man caused a disturbance at St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City by jumping onto the main altar and knocking over 19th-century candelabra worth thousands of dollars.
Dramatic Scene Caught on Video
Footage shared on X captures the shocking moment when the man climbed onto the altar, which is used for major liturgical celebrations led by Pope Francis. In the video, he is seen pulling off the altar cloth before being quickly stopped by security, leaving tourists in shock.
Historical and Artistic Significance
The altar, located beneath the basilica’s renowned stone canopy designed by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, was recently restored. The candelabra he toppled are valued at approximately €30,000 ($31,000), according to Italian news agency Ansa.
Suspect and Security Response
The suspect, identified as a Romanian national, was detained by Vatican Police before being handed over to Italian authorities. A Vatican spokesperson told Ansa that the individual has a “serious mental disability.” CNN has reached out to the Vatican for further comment.
Increased Security Ahead of Catholic Jubilee
The incident comes as the Vatican prepares for the Catholic Church’s 2025 Jubilee Year, during which an estimated 32 million pilgrims are expected to visit Rome. In anticipation of the influx, the basilica has strengthened security measures, including installing protective glass in front of Michelangelo’s Pietà sculpture. The statue was previously attacked with a hammer in 1972.
A Troubling Pattern of Vandalism
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In 2019, another individual threw candelabra off the main altar in a similar act of vandalism.
Authorities continue to assess the situation as security measures are reinforced to protect one of the world’s most revered religious and cultural landmarks.
