Rome offers relics of pope's cassocks

ROME, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Fragments of cassocks worn by Pope John Paul II are being offered free as relics on a Diocese of Rome Web site dedicated to making him a saint.

The fragments are posted alongside his photo on prayer cards printed in many different languages, Stefano Chiodo, who maintains the site for the diocese, told Britain's Independent in a story published Tuesday.

Thousands of the cards already have been given away, said Chiodo, noting the cards are free, though a contribution to cover postage and packing is appreciated.

Church officials no longer allow the sale of relics, a common practice in the past for the Church to raise money, The Independent reported.

The diocesan Web site says the relics of Pope John Paul, who died in 2005, may only be used "in a private manner, in the silence of our hearts, until the day the Church declares him a saint."