On 23 September, the sacristan discovered the theft of Pope John Paul II's relic, a gold and crystal casing with drops of his blood, which was kept and venerated in the Chapel of the Crucifix of the Cathedral Basilica of Spoleto. The Carabinieri Company of Spoleto began investigations and have identified a perpetrator. Archbishop Renato Boccardo expressed his dismay and called for those responible to return the precious relic.
Archbishop Boccardo explained in a short video message: "We learned with surprise and pain of the theft. It is a serious act, because of course it hurts the sensitivity and devotion of many, and shows a lack of respect for the feelings of those who in recent years, almost on pilgrimage, went to the chapel to entrust joys and sorrows to the intercession of the Pope". [...] He expressed his hope that "an act of superficiality, not with the intention of offending the sensitivity of the faithful. I also want to hope that this reckless gesture was not made for profit, unfortunately we know that this also happens," he clarified. He appealed to those responsible: "Return the relic, it is a gesture of responsibility and seriousness [...]"