Vial of Pope John Paul II’s blood stolen from Italian church

[hrmjustin]

Eric J. Lyman

ROME (RNS) A vial containing the blood of the late Pope John Paul II was stolen from a village church in a mountainous area east of Rome, sparking a regionwide manhunt that includes more than 50 police and a team of dogs specialized in tracking.

It is not clear when the break-in at the small Church of San Pietro della Lenca in the region of Abruzzo took place, but it was discovered by a church custodian on Sunday (Jan. 26). The thief or thieves made off with a large crucifix and a gold reliquary containing the vial of the blood of John Paul, who will be proclaimed a saint in April.

Once John Paul is elevated to sainthood, artifacts from his life will increase in value.

It was not immediately clear whether the intentions are to ransom the vial, sell it, or keep it for religious purposes.

http://www.religionnews.com/2014/01/27/vial-pope-john-paul-iis-blood-stolen-italian-church/

[cbayer]

1. What a bizarre story all the way around.

I had no idea that pope's blood was given to churches.

[hrmjustin]

2. Sometimes their hearts are buried in their homeland.

[cbayer]

3. Really?

I am surprised that they don't leave them intact.

Goes to show you what I know.

[hrmjustin]

4. It seems odd but it is a custom.

Some kings used to brag about their collections of relics.

[Goblinmonger]

11. Catholic churches

have relics of saints in them. Well, it's an altar thing, actually, but still.

[SummerSnow]

5. I knew it, the other Pope stole it

[hrmjustin]

6. OMG he looks like death in that picture.

[Promethean]

10. I was leaning more towards comicbook villain.

[stopbush]

7. Next week on an all-new "Pawn Stars"...

[hrmjustin]

8. lol!

[Zambero]

9. A dead pope's blood souvenir?

This sounds a trifle bit pagan. Should command a high price in the voodoo trade.