US tourist smashes two Roman busts at Vatican after refused audience with Pope

Rome police arrest a US tourist who smashed two Roman sculptures at the Vatican, apparently after being denied an audience with the Pope.

The incident occurred yesterday and pictures posted to social media show the two shattered sculptures on the floor.

Vatican police handed over the 65-year-old man to Rome police. A police spokesman says he appeared “psychologically distressed,” adding that he was charged with aggravated property damage and released.

Vatican officials are trying to restore the two busts.

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