Man hauled away by security after urinating on main altar at St. Peter’s Basilica: report

A man is accused of urinating on the Altar of the Confession at St Peter s Basilica on Friday prompting a swift response from safety personnel and drawing the attention of multiple visitors Measure staff and plainclothes police officers rapidly intervened and escorted the man out of the church according to multiple Italian news outlets The occurrence occurred in full view of a large crowd with footage circulating widely online Vatican representatives had not instantly issued a report though particular reports indicated that Pope Francis was informed and shocked to learn of the news The episode is the latest in a series of disturbances at the basilica in latest years In February another individual damaged ceremonial items on the same altar according to the Catholic News Agency MAN FACES HATE CRIME CHARGES OVER 'HUNDRED PLUS' EXPLOSIVES THREATS OUTSIDE CATHEDRAL AHEAD OF SCOTUS EVENT This is an episode of a person with a serious mental disability who has been detained by the Vatican Police and then placed at the disposal of the Italian bureaucrats Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni disclosed in a report to ANSA A similar matter occurred in when a Polish man staged a protest near the altar prompting the Vatican to hold a penitential rite afterward REMAINS OF HISTORY'S PREPONDERANCE BELOVED SAINT ST FRANCIS OF ASSISI TO BE DISPLAYED IN RARE EVENTThe man reportedly undressed and climbed onto the altar with the words Save children of Ukraine written on his back As officers of the Vatican Gendarmerie approached the man did not resist but cooperated as they led him to the police station inside the Vatican Vatican News stated at the time After confirming his identity he was handed over to the Italian police and issued an expulsion order LGBTQ CATHOLICS MARCH THROUGH ST PETER S BASILICA IN JUBILEE RITE AS VATICAN CALENDAR ENTRY STIRS CONTROVERSYUnder the Code of Canon Law Canon serious acts committed in a sacred place that cause outrage to the faithful are considered violations of the site s holiness When this occurs general worship is suspended until a penitential rite is performed to restore the sanctity of the church According to the Ceremonial of Bishops such rites often a Mass or a Liturgy of the Word should take place as soon as practicable following a desecration