The theft occurred at 4 p.m. on 12/5 at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava in the town of Jablonne v Podjestedi, Liberec region. An unidentified individual broke into the reliquary, which housed Saint Zdislava's skull, and fled the scene with the artifact, police reported.

Authorities are determining the skull's material value. However, its historical significance is immeasurable, said police spokesperson Dagmar Sochorova.

The reliquary containing Saint Zdislava's skull before it was stolen. *Photo: Czech Radio*

Archbishop of Prague Stanislav Pribyl, who also heads the Litomerice diocese responsible for the church in Jablonne, expressed his shock.

Pilgrims visiting Jablonne highly revere the skull, housed in a side chapel. The town of Jablonne is where Saint Zdislava lived and worked over 750 years ago.

"I cannot believe someone would commit such a daytime theft to steal a relic from a church, especially one whose value lies primarily in its historical significance," the Archbishop stated.

Saint Zdislava of Lemberk (1220-1252) was a noblewoman known for her compassion and charitable work. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 1995.

By Huyen Le (AFP)