July 6, 2009. Rome
The remains of the Apostle Paul are discovered in Rome.
The remains of the Apostle Paul are discovered in Rome, says Roman Pope Benedict XVI. According to RIA Novosti, the pontific said that for the first time in history recently there was conducted a research of the sarcophagus located underneath the altar of the St Paul Basilica in Rome. The sarcophagus was discovered as early as in 2003, and scientists at first tried to examine the tomb by ex-rays. In the summer of last year when it became clear that this method did not work the Pope of Rome gave a permission to open up the tomb.
According to the Pope, in the sarcophagus fragments of human bones dating back to I-II centuries AD were found. “This, it seems, confirms the unanimous and indisputable tradition, according to which it is the remains of the Apostle Paul,” said the Pope of Rome at the ceremony with which the celebration of the 2,000-year anniversary of St Paul concluded.
“We are gathered here at the Apostle’s tomb, whose sarcophagus is kept under the Pope’s chancel and which became an object of a thorough scientific research,” said Benedict XVI addressing the believers who gathered for a final ceremony of the Year of St Paul announced on the occasion of the 2,000-year anniversary of the Apostle’s birth.
“In the sarcophagus that was never opened throughout the ages a tiny hole was made for a probe, with the help of which traces of a precious linen cloth dyed in purple were found as well as a plate of pure gold and a cloth of blue with linen fibers. Red frankincense as well as white protein and calcareous compounds were also discovered,” the pontific said.
“Apart from that, tiny fragments of bones were discovered; they were examined with carbon-14 by experts who did not know about their origin. According to the results they belonged to a person who lived between I and II centuries AD,” said Benedict XVI. “All this fills my soul with deep feelings,” underline the head of the Roman Catholic Church.
Earlier today, the Reuters Agency reported about finding in the St Thekla catacombs in Rome an ancient fresco, on which the Apostle Paul is depicted. The find was made by experts of the Papal Committee of Sacred Archeology. The fresco was found as early as by June 19, but only today its discovery was announced.
On the fresco a man with a wrinkled face is depicted with a sharp-edged beard and a shining crown.
The Apostles Peter and Paul are the most honored missionaries among Christians. The Apostle Paul became a zealous evangelist in Palestine, Greece, Asia Minor, Italy and other regions of the antique world. For the propagation of the faith the Apostle Paul suffered martyrdom – he was beheaded in Rome under Emperor Nero in AD 64.