Czech police are searching for a thief who stole the 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk from a church in the village of Jablonne v Podjestedi, about 110 kilometres north of Prague. The relic was taken from a display box in the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava basilica.
A security camera image released on Tuesday shows a figure dressed in black carrying what police believe is the skull, running between church benches. Police spokesperson Dagmar Sochorova said the historic value of the skull is incalculable, though its monetary value is still being assessed.
Saint Zdislava, a noblewoman who lived from 1220 to 1252, was canonised by Pope John Paul II in 1995. She is revered for her generosity and work with the poor. The skull was kept on an altar in a side chapel and was a focal point for pilgrims visiting the site where she lived and worked.
Archbishop of Prague Stanislav Pribyl, who also heads the Litomerice diocese, described the theft as devastating. He expressed disbelief that someone would steal a relic of such historical and spiritual importance in broad daylight. Police initially identified the suspect as a man but later said they were not certain and are reviewing the security footage.
