Tests support belief that St. Paul's tomb has been discovered, Pope reveals
CWN - June 29, 2009
As he presided at ceremonies closing the Pauline Year, Pope Benedict XVI made the dramatic announcement that new scientific tests have strengthened the traditional belief that human remains buried beneath the altar of the Roman basilica of St. Paul-outside-the-Walls are those of St. Paul himself.
The Pope led a Vespers service on Sunday evening, June 28, to conclude the observance of the Pauline Year. In his homily he mentioned the initiatives that had been taken during the year, especially the pilgrimages that many Christians have made to sites connected with St. Paul's missionary journeys. Commenting then on the Apostle's letter to the Romans, the Holy Father said that the world cannot be renewed unless we ourselves undergo renewal first, and we can experience that renewal only throught the New Man, Jesus Christ. Pope Benedict also took note of St. Paul's references to an adult faith, and said that phrase has unfortunately been invoked by many Catholics who want to uphold only those truths of faith that they find comfortable for themselves.
As he neared the conclusion of his homily, the Pope announced that carbon-14 dating tests have established that bones and scraps of clothing found in the tomb below the basilica date back to the 1st century, thus supporting the belief-- which, he pointed out, has never been contested-- that this is the burial place of St. Paul. That likelihood, the Pontiff said, "fills our souls with profound emotion" as the Church pays homage to the Apostle.
Additional sources for this story
Some links will take you to other sites, in a new window.
|
An appeal from our founder, Dr. Jeffrey Mirus: Dear reader: If you found the information on this page helpful in your pursuit of a better Catholic life, please support our work with a donation. Your donation will help us reach five million Truth-seeking readers worldwide this year. Thank you! |
Easter Campaign: Progress toward our Spring 2013 goal ($25,129 to go):
$80,000.00
$54,870.55
31%
69%
|
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
