VATICAN CITY — An Italian entrepreneur has lowered himself onto the facade of St. Peter's Cathedral, the fifth time he has evaded Vatican security to mount a public protest from the cathedral against government reforms.

Marcello di Finizio told The Associated Press by telephone from his perch overlooking St. Peter's Square that he chose the spot above the cathedral's main entrance because it was more visible than the cupola, which he had scaled on four previous protests.

Di Finizio scaled the facade late Sunday afternoon and said he would remain on the narrow perch, directly above the loggia where Pope Francis is to give the Christmas Day blessing to the faithful this week, until Italian leaders agree to meet with him.

Di Finizio says he is losing his business because of government reforms.