Along with the news (posted here) that the Patriarchal Basilicas are now to be called "Papal", there was an interesting bit of news that popped out.
His Eminence Card. Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, Archpriest of the Basilica, explained that some years ago the Orthodox Archbishop of Athens had requested from the Pope an authentic relic of the body of St. Paul.
Since the tomb had not ever been opened and there was not plan to open it, John Paul II offered to give two links of the chain which tradition says bound the Apostle. A reliquary was prepared but the visit of the Orthodox Archbishop didn’t take place.
It was announced that next Thursday the Archbishop of Athens will come to Rome. A ceremony will take place during which he will be given these two links of the chain that bound St. Paul.
