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Rome Protest Defaces Pope Statue, 11 Arrested in Clashes
10/7/2025
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Story summary
- A Rome protest defaced Pope John Paul II's statue with graffiti labeling him 'fascist'.
- Vandalism included a hammer and sickle symbol and a keffiyeh. It was discovered September 26 after a large demonstration.
- Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini criticized vandals. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the act as ignorant of history.
- Clashes produced 11 arrests and 35 injured officers.
