Naples up in arms over Saint’s treasures ‘worth more than British crown jewels’

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Naples in a bid to prevent the Catholic Church gaining any control over the treasure of a local saint that is reputedly worth more than British crown jewels. Some wearing T-shirts with pictures of the saint, tied white handkerchiefs to the gate of the museum and neighbouring chapel, with many holding signs reading “Don’t touch the treasure”. The protest was sparked by a decree issued by Interior Minister Angelino Alfano that reclassifies the treasure as religious, not secular, property.

We think Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe (Archbishop of Naples) has applied great pressure on Alfano, in order to extend his influence over one of the most well-known symbols of popular religion.

Paolo Jorio, director of the San Gennaro museum

“We’re protecting a centuries-old institution, we will not stand for interference from either the Church or the government,” Paolo Jorio, director of the San Gennaro museum where the jewels are kept, told AFP. He said the council would appeal the decree in court and further protests would be held in a bid to get it reversed. Naples’ mayor Luigi De Magistris, head of the council, said they would do what it takes to “makes sure what San Gennaro gave us is not diminished”.

Naples