Czech police are still searching for the thief who stole the 800-year-old skull of Saint Zdislava from a basilica in northern Czechia earlier this week. Authorities have released security camera footage of the suspect and appealed for public assistance as the nationwide manhunt continues in a case that has shocked both the country’s Catholic community and the wider public.

The theft took place on Tuesday evening, shortly before mass, at the Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava in the town of Jablonné v Podještědí, roughly 110 kilometres north of Prague. According to police, the perpetrator entered the church between approximately 6.00 and 6.15pm, smashed two layers of protective glass surrounding the reliquary, seized the skull, and escaped within seconds.

Witnesses reported hearing loud bangs before seeing a figure dressed in dark clothing fleeing through the basilica. CCTV footage later released by police showed a blurry silhouette carrying what investigators identified as the stolen relic. Authorities initially described the suspect as male, although investigators later clarified that they are still analysing the footage.

CCTV footage of the suspect PHOTO: X

Speaking about the unusual circumstances of the theft, church officials noted that the basilica’s alarm system had been temporarily switched off because a service was about to begin. The thief also ignored the gilded crown attached to the relic—an object with obvious monetary value—and took only the skull itself, leading to speculation that the crime may have been ideologically or ritualistically motivated rather than financially driven.

The stolen relic is believed to be the skull of Saint Zdislava of Lemberk, a 13th-century Bohemian noblewoman renowned for her charitable work, care for the poor and sick, and support for hospitals and religious institutions. Born around 1220, she became one of the Czech lands’ most revered Christian figures and was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1995 during his visit to the Czech Republic.

For Czech Catholics, the relic represents far more than a historical artefact. The Basilica of Saint Lawrence and Saint Zdislava is one of the country’s most important pilgrimage sites, attracting worshippers for generations. The skull had long been displayed in a side chapel and was venerated by pilgrims visiting the town where the saint lived and worked more than 750 years ago. Czech authorities described its historical value as ‘incalculable’.

‘For Czech Catholics, the relic represents far more than a historical artefact’

The theft has triggered outrage across Czechia. Prague Archbishop Stanislav Přibyl called the incident ‘devastating news’, emphasizing the relic’s immense spiritual significance for believers. He also expressed disbelief that someone would commit such a theft ‘practically in broad daylight’.

In later remarks to Czech media, the archbishop warned that the perpetrator could be ‘struck down by a curse’ if the relic was not returned.

Local officials also reacted with shock. Jiří Rýdl, mayor of Jablonné v Podještědí, said residents were deeply disturbed not only by the theft itself, but also by the possibility that the perpetrator may have had prior knowledge of the church’s routines and security arrangements.

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