An essential act of “brotherhood and dialogue” for the Vatican is the return of the three fragments of the Parthenon to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, a return that was completed last night in an emotional atmosphere in the Greek capital.

Fragments attributed to their monument include the head of a boatman (in a robe) belonging to stone V of the north frieze of the Parthenon, the head of a bearded man attributed to the south metope 16 Centauromachia, and finally the head of a horse attributed to the pediment of the Parthenon.

“The heroic decision of the primate of the Roman Catholic Church to donate a treasure that may seem small, but is a great gift for all of us, is something that leaves us indebted,” Archbishop Jerome said yesterday.

The return of the Parthenon fragments from the Vatican Museum to Athens is of historical significance, say commentators in Rome.

Firstly, because this is a personal decision of the pontiff, the implementation of which he entrusted to his closest associates in a very short time, as reported by Deutsche Welle in its publication.

And secondly, because it is no coincidence that Pope Francis decided to donate three fragments to Archbishop Jerome and the Church of Greece.

Thus, as mentioned in the relevant DW article, the Pope wanted to emphasize that this is an act concerning priceless ancient objects and that it is done in the spirit of “brotherhood and dialogue”. Which, indirectly, is a signal for all other countries where such marbles are found.

This move by Pope Francis becomes even more important when you consider that his predecessor, Pope Benedict, did not give his consent to the transfer of the three fragments to Greece.

From this move by the Vatican, according to commentators, it follows that cultural heritage not only cannot be ignored, but is a stronger element than any commercial sale and purchase of the past.

It is recalled that this was preceded by the decision of the A. Salinas Museum of Palermo, Sicily and the Island Region to donate the Fagan fragment to the Acropolis Museum last year. It was also the first return of a Parthenon sculpture from another country.

“The final return and reunification of the Sicilian Party is of the utmost importance, as we all know that the beginning is half the battle. This is the first Parthenon reunion attributed from state to state, indicating a path yet to be followed elsewhere, mainly in the United Kingdom, contributing to the restoration of the monument, the symbol of world culture, the Parthenon, the restoration of history and democracy, ”said at the time General Director of the Acropolis Museum Prof. Nikolaos Stampolidis.

According to Deutsche Welle