A Vatican cardinal was filmed kissing the 1700-year-old exposed skull of Saint Agatha during a religious ceremony in Sicily. The ritual sparked a debate on the internet with netizens expressing differing opinions.
Vatican’s Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin took part in a ceremony in Catania on August 17 to mark the 900th anniversary of the return of Saint Agatha’s relics to the Sicilian city.
During the ceremony, the skull of the third-century Christian martyr was placed back inside an elaborate bust-shaped reliquary. Parolin was seen bowing before the relic before kissing the skull.
The moment has sparked reactions on social media, with some viewers unfamiliar with Catholic traditions questioning the practice of venerating human remains. However, the veneration of saints and their relics has been practiced within Catholicism for centuries.
Saint Agatha, who is believed to have died around AD 251, is the patron saint of Catania and is one of the most widely venerated Christian martyrs of antiquity.
Her relics have a particularly important place in Catania, where large celebrations are held in her honour every year. The city recently marked nine centuries since her relics were returned after being taken to Constantinople.
Meanwhile, the ceremony has continued to generate debate online, particularly over the sight of the cardinal kissing the skull.
