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A man urinated on a Vatican altar during a holy mass as hundreds of tourists looked on in disgust at the act of desecration Friday, according to local reports.
The unidentified man began his sickening act by scaling the steps of the Altar of Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica — in a spot where the sitting pope typically performs mass.
He wasted no time dropping his pants to his ankles and urinating all over the holy grounds, Corriere della Sera reported.
The stunned crowd could only look on in horror as the man was quickly torn away from the altar by cops and escorted off of the grounds.
When the authorities reached him, the man bent down and yanked his jeans back up — but not before flashing his full moon to the audience, according to videos taken by tourists.
The 9:00 a.m. Holy Mass was taking place, but it’s unclear if the pope was leading the proceedings.
The news reached Pope Leo XIV himself, who was reportedly “shocked,” according to the outlet.
The Holy See Press Office has not released a statement about the desecration.
It’s unclear if the man was arrested or charged.
St. Peter’s Basilica is one of the most sacred places in the Roman Catholic Church’s base city and is closely tied to the popes, who have all delivered mass within its walls.
In April, Pope Francis was laid in the basilica in repose for public viewing before his funeral.
Because of its notoriety, though, the altar where the popes deliver mass is a frequent target of attack.
In February, a man climbed on top of the altar and knocked six candelabras to the ground.
In June 2023, a nude Polish man leapt onto the altar. He didn’t say or do much beyond that, but he did have the words “Save children of Ukraine” scrawled on his back.
After that act, the Vatican performed a penitential rite to cleanse the grounds.
English (US)