An irreplaceable relic of Saint John Paul II has been stolen from Cologne Cathedral.
German police are appealing for anyone with information about the theft of the cloth with a drop of blood of the late Pope to come forward.
In a statement, police said a visitor had noticed early on Sunday that the relic, in a small glass reliquary bolted to the base of a silver-bronze statue of Saint John Paul II, Pope from 1978 to 2005, had disappeared.
"Although the material value is low, the spiritual value is a lot bigger," said Provost of Cologne Gerd Bachner.
It is thought to have been taken after 6.30pm on Saturday as a witness has described praying in front of the relic when it was still there at that time, but the same witness was horrified to discover it had gone the following morning.
Bachner described the theft as "an injury to this great man, even after his death." John Paul II visited the cathedral towards the end of 1980.
Bachner told DomRadio the relic was irreplaceable and he said he was deeply shocked.
He said it reminded him of an incident 26 years before, when a processional cross was stolen from the cathedral.
He added: "It is not about material things, but this is about sentimental value. It is irreplaceable."
Many people liked to pray before the relic. Not only the cathedral was affected, but its many worshippers. "It is a relic that has a very high priority for many believers. I am saddened, along with the many believers."
He said that on an average day, 20,000 people could pass through the cathedral. On some days, when there is a lot of rain, many people are simply looking for shelter.
He said the cathedral remained vigilant but wanted also to be able to guarantee that people could enjoy touching relics and feeling their faith strengthened.
"I can only hope that those who stole the relic, hear and think, 'What we have actually done because.' Maybe it was a spontaneous action that was not planned. I can only hope that the relic resurfaces as did the processional cross. I appeal to these people to return the relic."
