Italian businessman protests atop St Peter's Basilica
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Vatican City: Italian businessman Marcello di Finizio has once again perched himself atop the facade of St. Peter's Basilica in a continuing protest against European Union (EU) norms.
Di Finizio scaled the Vatican landmark late Sunday and said he would remain there until Christmas Day.
It is the fifth time he has pulled the stunt to protest reforms aimed at bringing Italy in line with European norms and make more competitive the beach concession sector, affecting property he owns.
During his previous protests, Di Finizio lowered himself on to the side of the dome of the huge church and stayed there for several days.
He wrote on his Facebook page that he intended to spend Christmas a few metres from the main lodge, where Pope Francis will address crowds Christmas Day.
Di Finizio demanded in his message on Facebook to speak with Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi to help him resolve his problem.
The last time he climbed the dome of St. Peter's was in March when he spent 48 hours until he was removed by Vatican gendarmes.