Marcello Minenna, a former director of the Customs Agency and now a regional councilor in Calabria, has come under scrutiny for modifying photos depicting his meeting with President Sergio Mattarella and Pope Leone XIV. The controversy arose after newspapers Il Foglio and Corriere della Sera reported on the AI-retouched images published on Minenna's personal website. While Minenna admitted to the modifications, he clarified that they were intended to enhance visual understanding and protect privacy, as noted in a disclaimer on the site.

In his response, Minenna defended the authenticity of the events captured in the photos, asserting that all images corresponded to real occasions. He subsequently released the original photos on his website, enabling a transparent comparison between the modified versions and the originals. This move aimed to address public concerns about the integrity of the images and the implications of using technology for altering perceptions of significant political and religious meetings.

The implications of this incident reach beyond Minenna’s personal reputation, touching on broader issues concerning the ethical use of AI in media and the importance of transparency in visual storytelling. As digital manipulation tools become more accessible, the challenge lies in maintaining trust in imagery that represents real-world events, especially when they involve prominent figures such as the Pope and the President of Italy. This case prompts reflection on how such practices might influence public perception and historical record keeping in the future.