Pope announces retrieval of stolen Amazon statues

One statue carried in procession to St Peter's

Source: Vatican News

The Holy See Press Office has provided a transcription of Pope Francis's remarks concerning several indigenous statues, stolen earlier this week and thrown into the Tiber River. The Holy Father spoke off-the-cuff following the liturgical prayer that opened the afternoon session of the 15th General Congregation of the Synod for the Amazon.

Pope Francis' said: "Good afternoon. I want to say a word about the statues of the pachamama that were taken from the church of the Transpontina - which were there without idolatrous intentions - and were thrown into the Tiber.

First of all, this happened in Rome, and, as Bishop of the Diocese, I ask pardon of the persons who were offended by this act.

Then, I want to communicate to you that the statues which created such attention in the media, were retrieved from the Tiber. The statues were not damaged.

The Commander of the Carabinieri desires that you should be informed of this recovery before the news is made public. At the moment, the news is confidential, and the statues are being kept in the Italian Carabinieri Commander's office."

Pope Francis concluded: "This is a bit of good news. Thank you."