A priest in Rome has said someone stashed €36,000 (£31,500) in a confessional box.
Fr Giovanni Martire Savina from Santa Maria delle Grazie alle Fornaci, a church near the Vatican, said he's never seen anything like it and initially thought it was a bomb.
"Until a few years ago every now and then someone would leave substantial monetary offers, even €1,000, but never this much," he told Il Messaggero.
"Certainly, such a sum would be useful for the church, but not to the detriment of someone else."
Rome police were called on the church on Wednesday and said officers also found €50 notes hidden in the confessional box under the priest's chair.
An investigator said the money may have been stashed by someone who felt guilty for obtaining the cash illegally or by just an innocent generous donor.
Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.
A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference
In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.
Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.
For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.
Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.
Support Us
Article by Tola Mbakwe
Tola Mbakwe is a multimedia journalist for Premier.
