A Polish Catholic Church official says that on request from Pope Francis a 17th-century icon has travelled from Poland to the Vatican to mark the start of the Holy Year of Mercy.
Monsignor Eugeniusz Stepan said Monday that the "Gate of Mercy" Greek Catholic icon left the southeastern town of Przemysl for Rome Saturday, after church officials and diplomats obtained all permits necessary to allow the historic piece of art to leave the country.
He said the pope heard about the icon, reputed to be miraculous, from the preacher to the papal household, Father Raniero Cantalamessa, and said he would like it to be at the ceremonial opening of the Holy Year of Mercy at the Vatican on Tuesday.
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