21.12.2025 08:56
In the capital of Syria, Damascus, a statue of Saint Paul, gifted by Pope John Paul II in 1999, was stolen by unidentified individuals. An investigation has been launched regarding the incident.
The statue of Saint Paul, gifted to the Saint Paul Monastery Church by Vatican State President Pope John Paul II in 1999, was stolen by unidentified individuals in the capital of Syria, Damascus.
STATEMENT FROM THE INFORMATION DIRECTORATE
In a written statement from the Damascus Information Directorate, it was noted that the copper statue located in the church in the Bab Kisan area was stolen yesterday.
"THE STATUE IS MADE OF COPPER"
The statement indicated that the initial investigation into the incident has been launched, and it was stated, "It is assessed that the motivation of the individuals who stole the statue is its being made of copper." No information was shared regarding whether the perpetrators have been caught.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Pope John Paul II gifted the statue to the church in 1999 and became the first pope to visit the Umayyad Mosque in 2001.