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A man is accused of urinating on the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, prompting a swift response from security personnel and drawing the attention of many visitors.

Security staff and plainclothes police officers quickly intervened and escorted the man out of the church, according to multiple Italian news outlets. The incident occurred in full view of a large crowd, with footage circulating widely online.

Vatican officials had not immediately issued a statement, though some 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 recent years. In February, another individual damaged ceremonial it

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