Only first class relic of Blessed John Paul II on tour for public veneration in Mexico

The only first class relic of Blessed John Paul II, a vial of blood taken during his illness, will visit all of the dioceses in Mexico for public veneration through December of this year.  The sample of blood is the only first class relic of the Pope as no other relic was taken from his body before he was sealed in a sarcophagus immediately after his death.  A wax figure of Blessed John Paul II was created for the tour and is dressed in Papal vestments made by Mexican artisans.  The relic will tour all dioceses in Mexico and will then return to the Vatican at the end of the year.