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Vial of Pope John Paul II's blood stolen Vial of Pope John Paul II's blood stolen
(35 minutes later)
Sniffer dogs and over 50 policemen are sweeping the Italian countryside after a vial of the Pope’s blood was stolen from a nearby church. Sniffer dogs and over 50 policemen are sweeping the Italian countryside after a vial of a former pope’s blood was stolen from a nearby church.
The blood of Pope John Paul II was taken from the San Pietro Della Lenca church in the central Abruzzo region on Saturday.The blood of Pope John Paul II was taken from the San Pietro Della Lenca church in the central Abruzzo region on Saturday.
The area was frequented by Pope John Paul II, who enjoyed skiing in the mountainous region before his death in 2005.The area was frequented by Pope John Paul II, who enjoyed skiing in the mountainous region before his death in 2005.
It is one of only three known vials containing the Polish Pope’s blood, who is expected to become a saint in a ceremony at the Vatican in April.It is one of only three known vials containing the Polish Pope’s blood, who is expected to become a saint in a ceremony at the Vatican in April.
It is not the first time the blood of Pope John Paul II has been stolen.It is not the first time the blood of Pope John Paul II has been stolen.
Back in 2012 a priest travelling north from Rome had his backpack, containing an intricate relic of Jojhn Paul II’s blood, stolen only noticing after he left the train.Back in 2012 a priest travelling north from Rome had his backpack, containing an intricate relic of Jojhn Paul II’s blood, stolen only noticing after he left the train.
Having alerted local police the relic was eventually discovered by police tossed into reeds.Having alerted local police the relic was eventually discovered by police tossed into reeds.