GBAF Logo
Czech police detain suspect in theft of medieval saint's skull from church - Headlines news and analysis from Global Banking & Finance Review
Headlines

Czech police detain suspect in theft of medieval saint's skull from church

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on May 14, 2026

2 min read

· Last updated: May 14, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
headlines Crime Europe

Czech Police Detain Man Over Theft of Medieval Saint's Skull From Church

Details of the Theft and Investigation

Suspect Detained in Connection with Stolen Relic

PRAGUE, May 14 (Reuters) - Czech police detained a 35-year-old man suspected of stealing a revered 800-year-old saint's skull from a church in the northern Czech Republic this week, they said on Thursday.

Background of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk

Life and Legacy of Saint Zdislava

Police and the church reported the theft on Wednesday of the skull, believed to be of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, who lived from 1220 to 1252. She was known for her generosity and work for the poor, and Pope John Paul II canonised her in 1995.

Details of the Theft Incident

Security Footage and Police Investigation

Fuzzy security camera footage showed a person dressed in black with the relic running between the benches in the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava basilica in Jablonne v Podjestedi, 110 km (68 miles) north of Prague, police said.

Recovery Efforts

Investigators "managed to obtain information about the location of the rare relic," police said on X on Thursday evening.

Church and Community Response

Reaction from Church Officials

After the relic's theft, Prague Archbishop Stanislav Pribyl had called the case "devastating news", adding the skull was revered by pilgrims.

Reporting and Editing Credits

(Reporting by Jason Hovet; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

Key Takeaways

  • Police detained a 35‑year‑old suspect after pursuing leads following the Wednesday theft of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk’s skull from Jablonné v Podještědí.
  • The skull, an incalculably valuable relic housed in a glass reliquary, was stolen in broad daylight just before Mass, with security cameras capturing a blurry figure in black fleeing the basilica’s pews.
  • Saint Zdislava of Lemberk (1220–1252), canonized in 1995 by Pope John Paul II, is deeply venerated by pilgrims; Czech authorities and religious leaders describe the theft as ‘devastating’ and are seeking public help to recover the relic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Whose skull was stolen from the Czech church?
The stolen skull is believed to be that of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, a revered medieval saint.
Where did the theft of the saint's skull occur?
The theft occurred in the Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava basilica in Jablonne v Podjestedi, northern Czech Republic.
Who was detained in connection with the theft?
Czech police detained a 35-year-old man suspected of stealing the relic.
Why is the skull of Saint Zdislava significant?
Saint Zdislava was known for her charity and work for the poor and was canonised in 1995, making her relics highly revered among pilgrims.
How did authorities respond to the theft?
Police quickly launched an investigation and reported progress in locating the rare relic, while church officials expressed devastation at the loss.

Tags

Related Articles

Image for Drone attacks kill one, injure three in Russia's Belgorod border region

Drone attacks kill one, injure three in Russia's Belgorod border region

Image for Egypt exhibits Tutankhamun tomb artifact and two restored New Kingdom tombs in Luxor

Egypt exhibits Tutankhamun tomb artifact and two restored New Kingdom tombs in Luxor

Image for UK's Murray named health secretary after Streeting resignation

UK's Murray named health secretary after Streeting resignation

Image for US pledges new humanitarian aid to UN, says must align with Trump's interest

US pledges new humanitarian aid to UN, says must align with Trump's interest

Image for Bosnian Serb general Mladic's early release denied by UN court

Bosnian Serb general Mladic's early release denied by UN court

Image for UK's Burnham says he will seek permission to stand in Greater Manchester by-election

UK's Burnham says he will seek permission to stand in Greater Manchester by-election

More from Headlines

Explore more articles in the Headlines category

Image for UK lawmaker resigns seat, clearing path for leadership challenger Burnham
UK lawmaker resigns seat, clearing path for leadership challenger Burnham
Image for Five Italians die in Maldives diving incident, foreign ministry says
Five Italians die in Maldives diving incident, foreign ministry says
Image for Gaza aid flotilla sets sail again after Israeli interceptions
Gaza aid flotilla sets sail again after Israeli interceptions
Image for King Charles visits Jewish area of London hit by antisemitic attacks
King Charles visits Jewish area of London hit by antisemitic attacks
Image for From ally to rival, Wes Streeting turns on UK PM Starmer
From ally to rival, Wes Streeting turns on UK PM Starmer
Image for Outcry in Italy over plans to expand Rome's famed Borghese Gallery
Outcry in Italy over plans to expand Rome's famed Borghese Gallery
Image for Denmark's Queen Margrethe admitted to hospital
Denmark's Queen Margrethe admitted to hospital
Image for UK's Princess Kate learns pasta-making on visit to Italy
UK's Princess Kate learns pasta-making on visit to Italy
Image for Tracey Emin debuts intimate new prints at London art fair
Tracey Emin debuts intimate new prints at London art fair
Image for Lebanon to press Israel to cease fire at Washington talks, Lebanese official says
Lebanon to press Israel to cease fire at Washington talks, Lebanese official says
Image for Israeli nationalists hold parade marking their capture of East Jerusalem
Israeli nationalists hold parade marking their capture of East Jerusalem
Image for Prince Harry says antisemitism in UK is "deeply troubling"
Prince Harry says antisemitism in UK is "deeply troubling"
View All Headlines Posts