The relic of the circumcision of Jesus, one of the most unusual and contested relics in Christian history. Multiple churches claimed to possess it during the Middle Ages.
History
According to tradition, the Holy Prepuce was given to Pope Leo III by Charlemagne, who claimed to have received it from an angel. At various times, up to 18 different churches in Europe claimed to possess the relic. The most famous claim was that of the Church of Santissimo Nome di Gesù in Calcata, Italy, where it was venerated until it was reported stolen in 1983.
Scientific Investigation
No scientific studies have been conducted on any claimed specimen. The multiplicity of claims has led most scholars to view the various relics with skepticism.
Spiritual Significance
The Feast of the Circumcision of Christ (January 1) commemorated the event. The relic was associated with theological debates about the nature of Christ's resurrected body. In 1900, the Vatican decreed that anyone writing or speaking about the Holy Prepuce would be excommunicated, effectively discouraging further claims.
