A thief has stolen an 800-year-old skull believed to belong to Saint Zdislava of Lemberk from a church in the northern Czech Republic, police confirmed on Wednesday.
Details of the Theft
The relic was taken from a display case inside the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava basilica in Jablonne v Podjestedi, approximately 110 kilometres north of Prague, on Tuesday. Security camera footage, though somewhat blurry, captured a man dressed in black fleeing the scene, clutching what authorities identified as the saint's skull as he ran between the pews.
Who Was Saint Zdislava?
Saint Zdislava of Lemberk lived from 1220 to 1252 and was renowned for her generosity and dedication to the poor. She was officially canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1995, solidifying her status within the Catholic Church.
Prague Archbishop Stanislav Pribyl expressed his dismay, telling the CTK news agency: "This is devastating news. The skull was revered by pilgrims. I cannot believe that someone practically in broad daylight steals from a church a relic whose value is above all historical and also spiritual for believers."
The theft has shocked the local community and the wider Catholic faithful, who view the relic as an important piece of religious heritage. Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for any witnesses to come forward.
