Tourist Arrested for Urinating on Vatican’s Holiest Altar

A shocking incident occurred at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City on the morning of October 11, 2025, when a man was arrested for urinating on the Altar of Confession, considered one of the holiest sites in Catholicism. This act took place in front of hundreds of tourists and worshippers during a Holy Mass being celebrated nearby.

Witnesses reported that the man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, managed to bypass security measures and climbed onto the altar at approximately 09:30. Footage shared on social media captured the moment, revealing a mixture of disbelief and shock among those present. Many individuals averted their eyes, while others looked on in astonishment as he committed the act.

According to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, local police quickly intervened and escorted the individual away from the scene. The incident has since drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from devout Catholics and organizations dedicated to protecting religious sites.

The Lepanto Institute, which advocates for the defense of Catholic values, has called for the altar to be reconsecrated following this act of desecration. Social media users echoed similar sentiments, questioning whether the Vatican’s decision to welcome approximately ten million tourists annually contributed to such disrespectful behavior. One user suggested that perhaps it is time for the Vatican to enforce stricter standards for visitors regarding dress and conduct.

Such incidents are not unprecedented at St Peter’s Basilica, which has a history of public disruptions. In 1972, an Australian geologist named Laszlo Toth vandalized a Michelangelo sculpture within the church, believing he was embodying Jesus Christ. Despite inflicting significant damage, he was deported back to Australia without facing criminal charges. The statue was subsequently restored and is now displayed behind bullet-proof glass.

In 2023, a naked man with the message “Save children of Ukraine” written on his back jumped onto the Altar of Confession, prompting condemnation from Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, the Basilica’s archpriest. Earlier this year, another incident involved a Romanian man who climbed onto the altar, removed its cloth, and damaged candelabras valued at approximately £23,200.

Following the most recent incident, a spokesperson for the Vatican indicated that the man displayed signs of mental illness and is currently receiving support from Italian authorities. The Vatican’s response to the incident highlights the ongoing challenges it faces as it balances accessibility for visitors with the sanctity of its religious sites. As the world watches, the incident raises important questions about respect and decorum in places of worship.