(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 22 - Religious objects were stolen
overnight from the hands of a statue of St Nicholas in Bari
cathedral, patron saint of the Puglia city and so venerated by
Russian and Ukrainian Orthodox believers that he has been
invoked as a symbol of peace amid the Ukraine war.
Persons unknown broke into the Basilica at around four in the
morning and stole what the saint was holding: a book with three
silver balls and a jewel-studded silver cross fro one hand; and
from the other a gold ring and several other jewels.
A reliquary necklace was also taken, as well as the contents of
the offering boxes. (ANSA).