Mass at St Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City descended into chaos after an unidentified man climbed onto the altar and urinated on it in front of worshippers and tourists.
The incident occurred during Friday’s 9am Holy Mass at the Altar of Confession – one of the holiest sites in Catholicism, where people often celebrate Mass.
Witnesses said the man suddenly approached the altar, dropped his pants and began urinating before security officers rushed to stop him.
He was quickly restrained and escorted from the basilica, though not before exposing himself further as he attempted to pull up his jeans.
It is not yet known whether Pope Leo XIV was present at the time.
The Vatican has not yet issued an official statement, but reports suggest the Pope was “shocked” by the ordeal.
The clip, which has since gone viral on social media, has been labelled “disrespectful” by viewers.
“That is absolutely shocking and deeply disrespectful,” wrote one.
“This is vile,” wrote another.
“There is definitely not enough security here,” a third commented.
Friday’s disturbance is the latest in a series of alarming breaches at the holy site.
Earlier this year, a man climbed onto the altar and knocked over six candelabras.
In June 2023, a naked protester stood on the same altar with “Save children of Ukraine” written across his back.
The Vatican later performed a penitential rite to restore the altar’s sanctity, in accordance with canon law.
The repeated intrusions have raised fresh concerns about security inside one of the world’s most sacred and heavily visited churches.
The incident comes amid a wider global crackdown on tourist misconduct.
Earlier this year, Italy announced changes to its citizenship laws, making it significantly harder for Australians and other foreigners to obtain a passport by descent.
Venice has doubled its day-visitor fee and expanded the dates on which it will be charged. The fee was first introduced last year.
That same year, two unruly tourists made headlines after swimming in front of a cemetery.
The men were seen by commuters leaving their clothes in front of the San Michele Cemetery before entering the water.
Isola di San Michele, which consists of a cemetery and church, is an island in the Venetian Lagoon and a popular destination for tourists visiting the graves of well-known figures, including Russian-born composer Igor Stravinsky.
Images: X (formerly Twitter)
