The morning Mass at St Peter's Basilica should have been a moment of quiet reverence. Instead, hundreds of tourists watched in stunned disbelief as a man climbed onto one of Christianity's holiest altars and urinated in full view of the congregation.
The shocking act of desecration occurred on Friday morning at the Altar of Confession—the sacred site where the Pope traditionally celebrates major Masses, positioned directly above the tomb of St Peter himself.
Plainclothes police officers present in the basilica quickly intervened, escorting the man away as visitors looked on in horror.
When authorities approached him, he bent down to pull up his jeans, flashing his buttocks to the tourists as security footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media.
'This is not freedom, it is barbarism!'
A troubling pattern emerges
This Friday incident was not the first time someone has attacked the famous altar.
The Altar of Confession has become an unfortunate target for a disturbing series of security breaches that reveal deeper issues with protecting one of the world's most visited sacred sites.
In June 2023, a Polish man climbed onto the high altar as the basilica was about to close, undressed completely, and displayed the words 'Save children of Ukraine' written on his back.
The Vatican performed a penitential rite after that act of desecration—a ritual required under canon law to restore the altar's sanctity.
More recently in February 2025, another man climbed onto the main altar and knocked down six bronze candelabras dating back to 1865, each valued at €30,000 (Approximately 53,400 AUD).
'This is an episode of a person with a serious mental disability,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained to media.
Vatican Security Measures
The basilica's alarm system triggers immediately when someone steps onto the altar, leading to rapid response from Vatican Gendarmerie
High-security measures include bullet-proof glass protecting Michelangelo's Pietà and enhanced surveillance systems
Visitors must follow strict dress codes—no sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, or items that may offend Catholic morality
Security stretched to breaking point
St Peter's Basilica attracts around 10 million tourists every year, creating enormous challenges for Vatican security forces.
The situation becomes even more complex with the 2025 Jubilee Year expected to bring 35 million pilgrims to Rome.
The Vatican faces well-known financial constraints, and upgraded security measures may be seen as financially out of reach or of relatively low priority.
This creates a concerning situation where the sheer volume of pilgrims and tourists presents an enormous logistical challenge that stretches the city's security apparatus thin.
The recurring security breaches have led Vatican-watchers to ask if the Vatican is addressing its mounting security issues, or whether it is vulnerable to even more serious attacks.
Italy's tourism crackdown
The Vatican incidents reflect broader tensions across Italy as authorities struggle with tourist behaviour.
Earlier this year, the Italian government tightened citizenship laws, making it far harder for Australians and other foreigners to get passports by descent.
In Venice, officials doubled the entry fee for day-trippers and expanded the days it applies, while other Italian cities have introduced measures to manage overtourism and inappropriate visitor behaviour.
These policy changes signal growing frustration with tourists who show disrespect for Italy's cultural and religious heritage—issues that particularly resonate with older travellers who often prioritise meaningful, respectful experiences.
Respectful travel to religious sites
- Research dress codes and behaviour expectations before visiting
- Maintain quiet, reverent behaviour in sacred spaces
- Follow all photography restrictions and security guidelines
- Consider guided tours that emphasise cultural respect
- Remember you're a guest in someone else's sacred space
What this means for senior travellers
For many Australians over 60, visiting religious and cultural sites represents the pinnacle of meaningful travel. The Vatican incidents highlight why preparation and respectful behaviour matter more than ever.
Rome's crime statistics show the city registered more than 86,000 thefts, 2,500 burglaries, and 11,000 scams in 2024, making security awareness crucial for all visitors.
The good news? Respectful visitors are welcomed warmly at religious sites worldwide. The key lies in understanding that these aren't just tourist attractions—they're living, sacred spaces where communities gather to worship.
The Vatican's security challenges also remind us why travel insurance and staying alert in crowded tourist areas remain essential, particularly during major religious celebrations when pickpockets and scammers often target distracted visitors.
A call for better behaviour
Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè responded to the latest incident, saying: 'The culture of contempt for everything that is Western and Christian is also erasing respect for our values'.
While her comments reflect broader political tensions, they also highlight genuine concerns about preserving cultural respect in an era of mass tourism.
For Australian seniors planning European trips, these incidents serve as reminders that our behaviour abroad reflects not just on ourselves, but on how Australians are perceived globally.
The vast majority of senior travellers already understand this—you're the generation that values courtesy, preparation, and showing proper respect for local customs.
Did you know?
Did you know?
The Altar of Confession sits directly above the tomb of St Peter and is considered one of the holiest sites in all of Christendom. Michelangelo's famous Pietà sculpture has been protected by bulletproof glass since 1972, when a man attacked it with a hammer.
The repeated security breaches at St Peter's highlight challenges facing heritage sites worldwide as they balance accessibility with protection. For thoughtful travellers, this creates opportunities to seek out less crowded alternatives or visit during quieter periods when the spiritual atmosphere remains intact.
What This Means For You
Have you experienced crowds or inappropriate behaviour while visiting sacred sites during your travels? How do you maintain a sense of reverence in busy tourist locations? We'd love to hear your thoughts and travel tips in the comments below.
Primary Source
https://www.news.com.au/travel/trav...s/news-story/d09f42bd7ff00bb7f2b1fc921a8d49fb
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica, detained by security | Catholic News Agency
Cited text: The man climbed the altar and 'urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists,' according to the newspaper Corriere della Sera's Rome edition...
Excerpt: hundreds of tourists watched in stunned disbelief as a man climbed onto one of Christianity's holiest altars and urinated
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...rates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-during-mass
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter’s Basilica
Cited text: The man climbed the altar and 'urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists,' according to the newspaper Corriere della Sera's Rome edition...
Excerpt: hundreds of tourists watched in stunned disbelief as a man climbed onto one of Christianity's holiest altars and urinated
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/10/12/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica/
Man Desecrates Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica| National Catholic Register
Cited text: The man climbed the altar and “urinated under the stunned gaze of hundreds of tourists,” according to the newspaper Corriere della Sera's Rome edition...
Excerpt: hundreds of tourists watched in stunned disbelief as a man climbed onto one of Christianity's holiest altars and urinated
https://www.ncregister.com/cna/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peter-s-basilica
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica, detained by security | Catholic News Agency
Cited text: | Credit: Daniel Ibáñez/CNA ... A man urinated on the Altar of Confession of St. Peter's Basilica on Friday before being taken away by security o...
Excerpt: The shocking act of desecration occurred on Friday morning at the Altar of Confession
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...rates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-during-mass
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter’s Basilica
Cited text: A man urinated on the Altar of Confession of St. Peter's Basilica on Friday before being taken away by security officers in the famous basilica, accor...
Excerpt: The shocking act of desecration occurred on Friday morning at the Altar of Confession
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/10/12/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica/
Man Desecrates Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica| National Catholic Register
Cited text: (photo: Daniel Ibáñez / EWTN News) Daniel Payne/CNA Vatican October 11, 2025 · A man urinated on the Altar of Confession of St. Peter’s Basilica on Fr...
Excerpt: The shocking act of desecration occurred on Friday morning at the Altar of Confession
https://www.ncregister.com/cna/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peter-s-basilica
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica, detained by security | Catholic News Agency
Cited text: Il Tempo reported that the man 'was promptly reached by plainclothes police officers present in the basilica' and was escorted out of the church.
Excerpt: Plainclothes police officers present in the basilica quickly intervened, escorting the man away
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...rates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-during-mass
Man Desecrates Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica| National Catholic Register
Cited text: Il Tempo reported that the man “was promptly reached by plainclothes police officers present in the basilica” and was escorted out of the church.
Excerpt: Plainclothes police officers present in the basilica quickly intervened, escorting the man away
https://www.ncregister.com/cna/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peter-s-basilica
Man shocks Vatican by urinating on St. Peter’s Basilica altar during Holy Mass | Irish Star
Cited text: When authorities approached him, he quickly bent down and yanked his jeans back up as he flashed his buttocks to the tourists, videos taken by bystand...
Excerpt: When authorities approached him, he bent down to pull up his jeans, flashing his buttocks to the tourists
https://www.irishstar.com/news/world-news/man-shocks-vatican-urinating-st-36053844
Pope Leo 'in shock' as horrific footage shows man urinating on altar at St. Peter's Basilica—The Mirror US
Cited text: When authorities approached him, he quickly bent down and yanked his jeans back up as he flashed his buttocks to the tourists, videos taken by bystand...
Excerpt: When authorities approached him, he bent down to pull up his jeans, flashing his buttocks to the tourists
https://www.themirror.com/news/weird-news/pope-leo-in-shock-horrific-1441481
Man shocks Vatican by urinating on St. Peter’s Basilica altar during Holy Mass | Irish Star
Cited text: The Friday incident was not the first time someone attacked the famous altar.
Excerpt: This Friday incident was not the first time someone has attacked the famous altar
https://www.irishstar.com/news/world-news/man-shocks-vatican-urinating-st-36053844
Pope Leo 'in shock' as horrific footage shows man urinating on altar at St. Peter's Basilica—The Mirror US
Cited text: The Friday incident was not the first time someone attacked the famous altar.
Excerpt: This Friday incident was not the first time someone has attacked the famous altar
https://www.themirror.com/news/weird-news/pope-leo-in-shock-horrific-1441481
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter’s Basilica
Cited text: In June 2023, meanwhile, a Polish man approached the high altar as the basilica was about to close, undressed, and climbed onto the altar.
Excerpt: In June 2023, a Polish man climbed onto the high altar as the basilica was about to close, undressed completely, and displayed the words 'Save children of Ukraine' written on his back
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/10/12/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica/
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica, detained by security | Catholic News Agency
Cited text: In June 2023, meanwhile, a Polish man approached the high altar as the basilica was about to close, undressed, and climbed onto the altar.
Excerpt: In June 2023, a Polish man climbed onto the high altar as the basilica was about to close, undressed completely, and displayed the words 'Save children of Ukraine' written on his back
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...rates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-during-mass
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter’s Basilica
Cited text: The Vatican performed a penitential rite after that act of desecration.
Excerpt: The Vatican performed a penitential rite after that act of desecration
https://www.catholicworldreport.com/2025/10/12/man-desecrates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica/
Man desecrates altar of St. Peter's Basilica, detained by security | Catholic News Agency
Cited text: The Vatican performed a penitential rite after that act of desecration.
Excerpt: The Vatican performed a penitential rite after that act of desecration
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/...rates-altar-of-st-peters-basilica-during-mass
Man shocks Vatican by urinating on St. Peter’s Basilica altar during Holy Mass | Irish Star
Cited text: In February, a man desecrated the main altar by climbing on top of it and throwing six candelabras to the ground.
Excerpt: More recently in February 2025, another man climbed onto the main altar and knocked down six bronze candelabras dating back to 1865
https://www.irishstar.com/news/world-news/man-shocks-vatican-urinating-st-36053844
Pope Leo 'in shock' as horrific footage shows man urinating on altar at St. Peter's Basilica—The Mirror US
Cited text: In February, a man desecrated the main altar by climbing on top of it and throwing six candelabras to the ground.
Excerpt: More recently in February 2025, another man climbed onto the main altar and knocked down six bronze candelabras dating back to 1865
https://www.themirror.com/news/weird-news/pope-leo-in-shock-horrific-1441481
Security concerns rise as St. Peter’s Basilica experiences another vandalism incident | RVA
Cited text: A 40-year-old man of Romanian nationality managed to climb onto the main altar, knocking down six bronze candelabras dating back to 1865, each valued ...
Excerpt: each valued at €30,000
https://www.rvasia.org/vatican-news...silica-experiences-another-vandalism-incident
Pope Leo 'in shock' as horrific footage shows man urinating on altar at St. Peter's Basilica—The Mirror US
Cited text: '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 I...
Excerpt: 'This is an episode of a person with a serious mental disability,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained to media
https://www.themirror.com/news/weird-news/pope-leo-in-shock-horrific-1441481
Security concerns rise as St. Peter’s Basilica experiences another vandalism incident | RVA
Cited text: “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 It...
Excerpt: 'This is an episode of a person with a serious mental disability,' Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni explained to media
https://www.rvasia.org/vatican-news...silica-experiences-another-vandalism-incident
Security concerns rise as St. Peter’s Basilica experiences another vandalism incident | RVA
Cited text: The basilica's alarm was triggered as soon as the man placed his feet on the altar, leading to an immediate response from five members of the Vatican ...
Excerpt: The basilica's alarm system triggers immediately when someone steps onto the altar, leading to rapid response from Vatican Gendarmerie
https://www.rvasia.org/vatican-news...silica-experiences-another-vandalism-incident
Michelangelo's Pieta' getting new high-security barrier before Jubilee Year | USCCB
Cited text: (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Vatican is installing a new set of nine bullet-proof and shatter-proof glass panels in front of one o...
Excerpt: High-security measures include bullet-proof glass protecting Michelangelo's Pietà and enhanced surveillance systems
https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/michelangelos-pieta-getting-new-high-security-barrier-jubilee-year
Vatican Rules & Regulations 2025 | Dos & Don'ts
Cited text: You have to be dressed appropriately to gain entry to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens. Visitors...
Excerpt: Visitors must follow strict dress codes—no sleeveless tops, shorts above the knee, or items that may offend Catholic morality
https://www.thevaticantickets.com/rules-regulations/
Man shocks Vatican by urinating on St. Peter’s Basilica altar during Holy Mass | Irish Star
Cited text: The site is a major pilgrimage, drawing around 10 million tourists every year, local outlets say.
Excerpt: St Peter's Basilica attracts around 10 million tourists every year
https://www.irishstar.com/news/world-news/man-shocks-vatican-urinating-st-36053844
Pope Leo 'in shock' as horrific footage shows man urinating on altar at St. Peter's Basilica—The Mirror US
Cited text: ... St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most sacred places in the Roman Catholic Church and a renowned work of Renaissance architecture, attracts around ...
Excerpt: St Peter's Basilica attracts around 10 million tourists every year
https://www.themirror.com/news/weird-news/pope-leo-in-shock-horrific-1441481
RISK ASSESSMENT: 2025 JUBILEE YEAR OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ROME
Cited text: This event’s spiritual significance, including opportunities for indulgences through prayer and pilgrimage, will likely draw large crowds to key relig...
Excerpt: the 2025 Jubilee Year expected to bring 35 million pilgrims to Rome
https://www.counterterrorismgroup.c...5-jubilee-year-of-the-catholic-church-in-rome
RISK ASSESSMENT: 2025 JUBILEE YEAR OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ROME
Cited text: The Year of Jubilee, a Catholic celebration observed every 25 years and lasting a full year, will start on December 24, 2024.
Excerpt: the 2025 Jubilee Year expected to bring 35 million pilgrims to Rome
https://www.counterterrorismgroup.c...5-jubilee-year-of-the-catholic-church-in-rome
Can the curia afford to fix Vatican security problems?
Cited text: — It is well known that the Vatican curia is facing a cash crunch, and looking to cut corners where it can. And the Apostolic See’s approach to cybers...
Excerpt: The Vatican faces well-known financial constraints, and upgraded security measures may be seen as financially out of reach or of relatively low priority
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/can-the-curia-afford-to-fix-vatican
RISK ASSESSMENT: 2025 JUBILEE YEAR OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ROME
Cited text: The sheer volume of pilgrims and tourists presents an enormous logistical challenge that will likely stretch the city's security apparatus thin, parti...
Excerpt: the sheer volume of pilgrims and tourists presents an enormous logistical challenge that stretches the city's security apparatus thin
https://www.counterterrorismgroup.c...5-jubilee-year-of-the-catholic-church-in-rome
Can the curia afford to fix Vatican security problems?
Cited text: The recurring security breaches have led Vatican-watchers to ask if the Vatican is addressing its mounting security issues, or whether it is vulnerabl...
Excerpt: The recurring security breaches have led Vatican-watchers to ask if the Vatican is addressing its mounting security issues, or whether it is vulnerable to even more serious attacks
https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/can-the-curia-afford-to-fix-vatican
Shock moment man URINATES on altar at St Peter’s Basilica in front of worshippers & tourists in alarming security breach—Veritas News
Cited text: Earlier this year, the Italian government tightened citizenship laws, making it far harder for Australians and other foreigners to get passports by de...
Excerpt: Earlier this year, the Italian government tightened citizenship laws, making it far harder for Australians and other foreigners to get passports by descent
https://veritas.enc.edu/faith-cultu...hippers-tourists-in-alarming-security-breach/
Shock moment man URINATES on altar at St Peter’s Basilica in front of worshippers & tourists in alarming security breach—Veritas News
Cited text: In Venice, officials doubled the entry fee for day-trippers and expanded the days it applies.
Excerpt: In Venice, officials doubled the entry fee for day-trippers and expanded the days it applies
https://veritas.enc.edu/faith-cultu...hippers-tourists-in-alarming-security-breach/
RISK ASSESSMENT: 2025 JUBILEE YEAR OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH IN ROME
Cited text: Violent crime rates in the city are low, yet nonviolent crimes such as pickpocketing and fraud are common, particularly in crowded areas.[7] As of 202...
Excerpt: Rome's crime statistics show the city registered more than 86,000 thefts, 2,500 burglaries, and 11,000 scams in 2024
https://www.counterterrorismgroup.c...5-jubilee-year-of-the-catholic-church-in-rome
'Wound to Civilization': Man Urinates From St. Peter's Basilica Altar in Rome
Cited text: In response to the incident, Daniela Santanchè, Italy’s Minister of Tourism, said: “The culture of contempt for everything that is Western and Christi...
Excerpt: Italian Tourism Minister Daniela Santanchè responded to the latest incident, saying: 'The culture of contempt for everything that is Western and Christian is also erasing respect for our values'
https://www.breitbart.com/europe/20...inates-from-st-peters-basilica-altar-in-rome/
St. Peter’s desecrated amid second security breach—EWTN Vatican
Cited text: Situated at the crossing, the main altar of St. Peter’s sits above the tomb of St. Peter and is considered one of the holiest sites in all of Christen...
Excerpt: The Altar of Confession sits directly above the tomb of St Peter and is considered one of the holiest sites in all of Christendom
https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/se...tican-and-for-the-safety-of-pope-francis-1122
Michelangelo's Pieta' getting new high-security barrier before Jubilee Year | USCCB
Cited text: (CNS photo/Lola Gomez) The enormous sculpture, carved from a single block of Carrara marble, has been protected by a transparent barrier ever since a ...
Excerpt: Michelangelo's famous Pietà sculpture has been protected by bulletproof glass since 1972, when a man attacked it with a hammer
https://www.usccb.org/news/2024/michelangelos-pieta-getting-new-high-security-barrier-jubilee-year
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