The Catholic Church has a long history with relics, physical remnants of saints or holy figures, believed by many to carry spiritual power. While most are viewed with reverence, some stand out not for what they represent, but for how eerily human they remain. Across Europe and the Holy Land, these relics are preserved in basilicas, shrines, and monasteries, quietly unsettling the faithful and curious alike. These are some of the most striking.
The most surprising Catholic relics
Oliver Plunkett, the last Catholic martyr to be executed in England, was hanged, drawn, and quartered on July 1, 1681, during a wave of anti-Catholic persecution. His decapitated head was smuggled back to Ireland shortly after his execution and is now enshrined in St. Peter’s Church in Drogheda, where it has been publicly displayed since 1921.
Forget #StValentines my favourite saint is St. Oliver Plunkett who became Archbishop of Armagh and Primate off All Ireland, despite having a head that was the size and consistency of a discarded turnip three weeks after Halloween. pic.twitter.com/hyn2nQmZnU
— Lorcan McGrane (@lorcychief) February 14, 2020
Plunkett was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975, making him the first Irish saint in almost 700 years. Despite the violent nature of his death, the head remains unnervingly well-preserved, with facial features still intact.
The Brain of Saint John Bosco
Saint John Bosco, also known as Don Bosco, died in 1888. A teacher and founder of the Salesian order, he dedicated his life to improving the lives of underprivileged youth in Turin. His body was exhumed in 1929 during the beautification process. At that point, his brain was removed as a symbolic relic of his intellect and service.
The Tomb of St. John Bosco, in the Basilica di Santa Maria Ausiliatrice, Turin pic.twitter.com/NC9DVEUWPK
— Catholic Sat (@CatholicSat) January 31, 2022
The relic is now held in the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Turin, Italy. It has been on display since the early 1930s and is part of a larger collection of Bosco’s preserved remains, including his wax-covered body.
The Tongue of Saint Anthony of Padua
Saint Anthony of Padua, who died in 1231, was known for his powerful preaching. When his body was exhumed 32 years later in 1263 by Saint Bonaventure, it was reported that his tongue was found incorrupt, still soft and red.
The jaw and tongue of Saint Anthony of Padua
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— The Papal Bull (@ShamelessPapist) June 5, 2022
The tongue is now kept in the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua, Italy, along with his jawbone and vocal cords. These relics are displayed annually on his feast day, June 13, and have been major pilgrimage draws since the 13th century.
The Embalmed Hearts of 22 Popes
Unbeknownst to many, a large number of popes 22 by the last known count, had their hearts removed and preserved in the Church of Saints Vincent and Anastasius at Trevi in Rome. The practice began in the 17th century and continued until the early 20th century.
The Church just across the Trevi fountain, Santi Vincenzo e Anastasio a Trevi. pic.twitter.com/7T5r2V0qJp
— DNiev (@dinkynievera) May 17, 2017
Among those interred are the hearts of Pope Sixtus V (1585–1590) and Pope Leo XII (1823–1829). The tradition, borrowed from royal embalming practices, was intended to venerate the spiritual center of the Holy Father.
The Hair and Fingernails of Saint Clare of Assisi
Saint Clare of Assisi, who died in 1253, was one of the earliest followers of Saint Francis. Upon her death, fellow nuns clipped locks of her hair and pieces of her fingernails as relics of her sanctity. These personal remains are now kept in the Basilica of Saint Clare in Assisi, preserved in a silver reliquary.
Reliquary containing the hair of Saint Clare of Assisi cut by Saint Francis of Assisi in March 20, 1212 (Palm Sunday), during her religious profession. (393×340) pic.twitter.com/YcyiJP0MRD
— Historyland (@HistorylandHQ) July 23, 2023
While less publicly displayed than other relics, they remain objects of quiet devotion, especially among the Poor Clares, the religious order she founded.
The Breast Milk of the Virgin Mary
One of the most curious relics in Catholicism is said to be a sample of the Virgin Mary’s breast milk. Vials of the substance began appearing in European churches as early as the 7th century, and were especially revered during the Crusades. The most famous site associated with the relic is the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem, located near the Church of the Nativity.
from the Milk Grotto in Bethlehem pic.twitter.com/WTRwiF63Zo
— Canan Arıkan-Caba @cananarikan.bsky.social (@cananarikann) December 21, 2019
According to tradition, drops of Mary’s milk fell to the floor while she nursed the infant Jesus, turning the cave’s stone white. The site has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries, particularly for women praying for fertility.
The Foreskin of Jesus Christ
Perhaps the most controversial of relics held by the Catholic church is the Holy Foreskin. The relic is said to have been removed during Jesus’ circumcision on the eighth day after his birth, as per Jewish law. Over the centuries, at least 18 churches in Europe claimed to possess it, leading to disputes over authenticity.
Is the Holy Prepuce in Calcata, Italy real?
Who would save Jesus foreskin, for Gods sake? pic.twitter.com/D3IqLNrdCe— Phil🐴ophy (@PhilPggreen1) April 17, 2019
The most famous version was kept in Calcata, Italy, where it had been venerated since 1527. It was reportedly gifted to the town by a German soldier from the sack of Rome. The Vatican never formally acknowledged its authenticity and discouraged public veneration. In 1983, it mysteriously disappeared from the parish church, allegedly stolen, though some suspect Vatican involvement.