Church cautious about plan to examine possible remains of Joan of Arc

Published: 2006-02-17

WARSAW, Poland (CNS) -- A French church spokesman expressed caution about a forensic scientist's announcement that he would analyze what might be the remains of St. Joan of Arc. "The precise origin of these objects isn't known -- all we have are some fragments of cloth and human rib," said Bertrand Vincent, spokesman for France's Tours Archdiocese. "Even if these are confirmed as belonging to a young woman of the period, who was burned to death, this won't prove it's Joan of Arc. For now, the church is showing maximum prudence and reserve." Philippe Charlier, professor at Raymond Poincare Hospital, west of Paris, announced that he would analyze the fragments allegedly retrieved from below the stake in Rouen, France, where St. Joan was executed in 1431 at age 19. In a telephone interview with Catholic News Service Feb. 17, Vincent praised Charlier's "professional expertise and good intentions" and said that Tours would "take note" if the project were "conducted seriously, with proper results."

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