Pontiff marks 900th anniversary of return of St. Agatha’s relics to Catania

August 10, 2026

Pope Leo XIV named Cardinal Pietro Parolin, his Secretary of State, as his special envoy to the celebrations marking the 900th anniversary of the return of St. Agatha‘s relics to the Sicilian city of Catania.

The relics of the saint were returned on August 17, 1126, 86 years after a general of the Byzantine Empire had seized them.

In a Latin-language letter dated July 13 and released August 8, Pope Leo wrote that “in the martyrdom of St. Agatha, the ecclesial community contemplates the victory of grace over violence, of faith over fear, and of charity over death.” He also described her sacrifice as “a full participation in the Pasch of Christ and at the same time a glorious testimony to the virtue that the Lord infuses into those who persevere steadfastly in temptation and trial.”

Italy has issued a postage stamp in commemoration of the anniversary.

 

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Further information:

• Letter of the Holy Father to the Pontifical Legate for the ninth centenary of the return of the Relics of Saint Agatha to Catania (Holy See Press Office, 8/8/26)