It’s Time to Entrust Saint Januarius’s Blood to Microchemistry

Authors

  • Bruno M Strangio University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, I-80138 Napoli, Italy Author
  • Francesca Riotto Diocese of Oppido Mamertina-Palmi, Via Rocco Pugliese38, I-89015 Reggio Calabria, Italy Author
  • Giovanni Fazio University of Messina. Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physics Sciences and Earth Sciences. Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, I-98166 Messina, Italy Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33425/2690-8077.1172

Keywords:

Saint Januarius, blood

Abstract

This article, which follows two of our previous writings, emphasizes the need to analyze a small sample from the ampoules containing the blood of Saint Januarius, preserved in the Cathedral of Naples, through microchemical methods. This step is essential to definitively determine the nature of the substance within. This action would be in the interest of both the Roman Catholic Church and the faithful. Saint Januarius was martyred at the beginning of the 4th century AD, and the first blood liquefaction event occurred at the end of the 14th century AD. Therefore, this event took place in the Middle Ages, a time when many false relics were circulating in Europe. We believe this request should be granted, at the very least, it should be possible to implement the recommendations outlined in our first article

Published

2025-07-29

Issue

Section

Articles