More details on discovery of St. Paul's tomb

July 03, 2009

The archpriest of the Roman basilica of St. Paul's outside-the-Walls and the chief scientist of the Vatican Museums together briefed reporters today on the latest evidence that a tomb below the basilica's altar contains the remains of St. Paul. Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo disclosed that at his suggestion, Pope Benedict had approved archeological investigation of the tomb, but stipulated that the results should be kept secret until the end of the Pauline Year. At ceremonies marking the close of that year, the Holy Father announced that carbon-dating tests had shown that the tomb dated to the 1st century, adding further weight to the traditional belief that it is St. Paul's tomb. Ulderico Santamaria of the Vatican Museums explained in detail the method of testing and the results.

 

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Further information:

• Analysis of the tomb of St. Paul (VIS)