Vatican: Relics analysis is inconclusive

VATICAN CITY, July 4 (UPI) -- Analysis by the Vatican Museums' diagnostics laboratory neither confirms nor rules out that relics alleged to be those of St. Paul are from the apostle.

Ulderico Santamaria, the head of the lab and a science professor at Tuscia University, urged caution in assuming the remains are those of St. Paul, the Italian News Service ANSA reported Friday.

Cardinal Andrea Cordero Lanza di Montezemolo, the archpriest of the basilica of St. Paul's Outside the Walls, said he is optimistic the tomb found under his church in 2006 is that of the saint.

Since St. Paul's execution in around A.D. 65, tradition has placed his remains in the church outside the walls of the old city of Rome. The tomb was found under the epigraph "Paulo Apostolo Mart'" or Paul the Apostle and Martyr.

Christian tradition says he was buried by a Roman woman and the church was built over his tomb.

Paul is among the most venerated figures in early Christianity. He is credited with being the first to bring the gospel to the Greeks and Romans.