Man Protests Italian Government Atop the Dome of St. Peter’s at the Vatican

Marcello Di Finizio protesting the Italian government on the dome of St. Peter's basilica in Rome, March 30, 2014. Photo: Andreas Solaro, courtesy Agence France-Presse.
Marcello Di Finizio protesting the Italian government on the dome of St. Peter's basilica in Rome, March 30, 2014. Photo: Andreas Solaro, courtesy Agence France-Presse.

It’s become a routine for Marcello Di Finizio: Visit St. Peter’s basilica in Vatican City, Rome, climb out on the roof of its 449-foot dome, and unfurl a banner protesting the government. Stay out there a few hours, maybe a couple of days, then come back inside to be arrested. Wait a few months for the heat to die down, rinse, and repeat.

You would think they would train security guards to keep an eye out by now, but the Italian businessman has just completed his fourth protest in the heart of the Vatican, this one three days long, the AFP reports.

With a banner reading “Help Us Pope Francis,” Di Finizio protested austerity measures imposed by the Italian government, which he feels are contributing to record levels of unemployment in Italy and the broader economic crisis.


Follow Artnet News on Facebook:


Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.

Share

Subscribe or log in to read the rest of this content.

You are currently logged into this Artnet News Pro account on another device. Please log off from any other devices, and then reload this page continue. To find out if you are eligible for an Artnet News Pro group subscription, please contact [email protected]. Standard subscriptions can be purchased on the subscription page.

Log In