Benedict XVI’s Pectoral Cross Missing After Thief’s Sentencing

A Czech citizen has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for the theft of Pope Benedict XVI’s pectoral cross from St. Oswald’s church in Traunstein, Bavaria.

The theft, which took place on June 19, 2023, involved the smashing of a display case to access the relic.

During his trial, the 53-year-old admitted to the crime. He was described by the judge as a “traveling criminal” with a long history of offenses across Europe.

Despite his conviction, the whereabouts of the cross remain unknown. The defendant claimed he handed it to an associate for safekeeping and later planned on selling it. Attempts to recover the item during the trial were fruitless.

The pectoral cross is made of gold-plated silver and set with a gemstone. A significant relic for the Church, it holds immense sentimental value as it was bequeathed by Pope Benedict to his home parish after his retirement in 2013.

Pray for Pope Benedict XVI!

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Photo credit: Finlaykate, WDKrause via Wikimedia Commons