Saint Pope John Paul II’s Blood Vial Gets Stolen From Italian Cathedral
Image via Attila JANDI / Shutterstock.com
Thieves have stolen a relic filled with several drops of Pope John Paul II’s blood from a cathedral in Italy.
The vial, known as a reliquary, was originally stored in the chapel of Spoleto Cathedral. However, the cathedral’s sacristan, who was in charge of protecting it, discovered that the gold and crystal casing went missing.
Police are currently investigating the matter. They are reviewing CCTV from inside and outside the cathedral.
The relic was due to move to another church named after the late pope next month.
Meanwhile, Archbishop Renato Boccardo has put up an appeal for the thieves to return the relic. “Give the reliquary back to the cathedral and the faithful,” Boccardo announced. Boccardo was close to the late pope during his 27-year reign at the Vatican before he died in 2005.
Boccardo claimed that it is still unclear if the vial has been stolen for ransom.
[via Reuters, cover image via Attila JANDI / Shutterstock.com]
Also check out these recent news
