Scientific Research on the Miracle
Comprehensive scientific investigations since 1970
The scientific investigations of the Eucharistic Miracle of Lanciano are among the most thorough analyses of religious relics in history. Over several decades, renowned scientists have examined the relics and documented extraordinary results.
The 1970-1971 Investigations
Commissioned by Pope Paul VI, Dr. Odoardo Linoli, Professor of Anatomy and Pathological Histology, and Dr. Ruggero Bertelli conducted comprehensive scientific analyses. They used state-of-the-art techniques in microscopy, histology, and biochemistry. The results were clear: the flesh is genuine human heart tissue, and the blood is genuine human blood of type AB.
WHO Studies and Confirmations
In 1973, the World Health Organization (WHO) commissioned further independent studies. These fully confirmed the earlier results. In 1981, Dr. Bertelli repeated his investigations with even more advanced methods and reached the same conclusions. The scientific commission officially stated that science could not provide a natural explanation for the preservation and properties of the relics.
Even in recent times, the relics have been examined using the most modern scientific methods. DNA analyses, spectroscopy, and other advanced techniques have confirmed the earlier findings. The fact that the tissue shows no signs of decay after over 1200 years and the protein structure remains intact is scientifically inexplicable.
"Science cannot provide an explanation for these phenomena."
— Scientific Commission, 1976