Note: The featured image is the actual cave of the Annunciation. The words on this altar are, "Verbum caro hic factum est." Translated they are, [hic: this is where]... read more →
When John Paul was elected in 1978, there wasn’t a 24 hour news service, or the internet like we have today that made hundreds of... read more →
March 21-26: Pope John Paul II's Historic Visit to the Holy Land in 2000, & A Commentary on the Signed Photo by Father Richard Kunst Pope John Paul... read more →
This item is actually both common and uncommon. It is the autographed photo of a pope. Although they are relatively common, they’re still highly sought after... read more →
NOTE: This is a humorous account of Father Kunst's "pink" chasuble, used in his former parish, which he has replaced in his new assignment. Also: Information from Rome... read more →
March 17, 2018: Pope Francis’ Pastoral Visit to Pietrelcina & A Commentary from Father Richard Kunst
Commemorating The Anniversary of the Visible Stigmata of Saint Pio of Pietrelcina Saturday, March 17, 2018 marked the first pastoral visit of His Holiness, Pope Francis, to... read more →
Many of you probably do not know the Papal Artifacts curator has been a columnist for the Duluth, MN diocesan paper, Northern Cross, since its inception in 2005. For... read more →
Many of you probably do not know... read more →
The chalice is a very ornate and beautiful artifact that dates between the years 1814 and 1870. Unlike the chalice belonging to Pope Leo XIII, it... read more →
God’s Forgiveness Requires a Response from Us Father Richard Kunst God’s love is absolutely unconditional. There is nothing we can do to escape from the loving gaze of... read more →
Papal Artifacts celebrates with our Church the anniversary of Our Holy Father, Francis. The Papal Artifacts' Collection is filled... read more →
The Diocese of Duluth, and the home parish of the Curator of Papal Artifacts, Father Richard Kunst, were treated to a rare opportunity to spend an evening with George... read more →
Father Kunst has spent years hosting a segment of Real Presence (radio) Live. Today, Kyle Barret, an expert in firearms with a great... read more →
This particular bulla is an extremely rare and valuable artifact to have in the Collection, not only because of... read more →
When Doubt Creeps InFather Richard Kunst Perhaps this might sound like I am stating the obvious, but I feel like I have a pretty strong faith. Faith is a gift,... read more →
The Saints & Blesseds of the Papal Artifacts Collection The Papal Artifacts' Collection is primarily dedicated to artifacts connected to the papacy. Individual popes,... read more →
This large photograph portrays Pope Leo XIII in a formal setting seated in a throne-like chair. Note the pillows at his feet used... read more →
February 2013 Resignation. In February 2013, at the age of 85, Pope Benedict XVI announced that he would be resigning on February 28, 2013... read more →
Lent is a season of repentance of sin. Repentance from sin for Catholics mostly means going to confession—yet another subject that is often misunderstood by Catholics and non-Catholics... read more →
Catholics throughout history have been called many names, some nice and others not so nice. One of the names that has... read more →
This agnus dei wax disk contains the first-class relics of three saints and the name of the pope written in gold inside the oval frame. An Agnus Dei is... read more →
Years ago one of my seminary professors cited a study listing the most well attended Masses of the year. The first two were obvious — Christmas and Easter — but... read more →
Since the fourth century the feast of the Chair of St.... read more →
An Image of Pope St. Peter This is an image of Pope St. Peter sitting on the throne from the Jubilee Year of 1950. Although... read more →
The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is primarily dedicated to artifacts connected to the papacy. Individual popes, their biographies and multiple items belonging to them, including first and... read more →
Pope Francis is very popular as a relatively new Holy Father, but he was... read more →
A Framed Portion of Silk Wall CoveringPope St John XXIII’s Papal ApartmentVatican Relic Gifted by Cardinal Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, Vatican Secretary of State from 1961-1969, to Fr. Timothy Champoux of... read more →
The Papal Artifacts’ Collection is primarily dedicated to artifacts connected to the papacy. Individual popes, their biographies and multiple items belonging to them, including first and second class relics,... read more →
What is an Apostolic Exhortation? An apostolic exhortation is a magisterial document written by the pope. It is considered third in importance, after apostolic constitutions and encyclicals. Exhortations generally encourage a particular virtue... read more →
Here’s the Real Story Behind St. Valentine’s Day I generally utilize all my vacation time leading small private tours to Rome. Although I enjoy it because I... read more →