Greece welcomes Pope Francis’ decision to return Parthenon Sculptures held in Vatican

·

Greece’s Culture Ministry has welcomed Pope Francis’ decision on Friday to return to Greece three fragments of the Parthenon Sculptures that have been in the papal collections of the Vatican Museums for more than a century.

In the statement, the Culture Ministry expressed its gratitude for the “generous decision of Pope Francis” and said it will cause momentum in Greece’s fight for the return of the Parthenon Marbles from the British Museum in the United Kingdom.

The Vatican announced Pope Francis’ decision on Friday and said the pope was “donating” the fragments to Ieronymos II, the head of the Greek Orthodox Church, as a gesture of ecumenical dialogue with the Roman Catholic Church.

The Vatican statement suggested the Holy See wanted to make clear that its donation was not a bilateral state-to-state return, but rather a religiously inspired donation from a pope to a primate.

The 5th century BC sculptures are mostly remnants of a 160-meter-long frieze that ran around the outer walls of the Parthenon Temple on the Acropolis in Athens.

One piece is the head of the horse that was pulling Athena’s chariot on the west side of the building. The others are from the head of a boy and the head of a bearded male.

This latest decision by Pope Francis comes as recently a small museum in Sicily, Italy also decided to return its lone Parthenon fragment to Greece in a loan that Greek authorities hope will be extended indefinitely.

Source: AP News.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Cypriot Community of Melbourne to launch new book by Professor Anastasios Tamis

The Cypriot Community of Melbourne and Victoria are hosting a book launch for Professor Anastasios M. Tamis' new book.

Greece tells tourists to ‘Enjoy your stay and stay safe’ as they prepare to open to 27 airports

As Greece prepares to open to 27 airports on July 1, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection has reminded tourists to "Enjoy your stay and stay safe".

Greek PM offers condolences for fatal ski resort fire in Turkey

Greek PM Mitsotakis has expressed his deep sorrow following a deadly fire that broke out at a ski resort in Bolu, Turkey.