RPR Interviews the Curator of Papal Artifacts & A Shout Out to the 2022 Vatican Returns to Duluth

The Featured Image is of Father Kunst when he is the moderator of a monthly Real Presence Live segment.

Today, in honor of Pope Francis’ 85th birthday, Real Presence Radio interviewed him in a delightful, fun and fact-filled segment about “all things papal.”

What follows are the artifacts mentioned in this broadcast, all of which are on this website and can be accessed on the Artifacts pages under the pope with whom the item is associated.

The RPR Broadcast Dec. 17, 2021 Interview
It begins about the 6 minute mark.

Artifacts Referred to in This Interview

: Pope Pius II: A Papal Ring

: Pope Pius VII: Napoleon Letter of 1807, Close up

: Pope Pius VII: Napoleon Letter of 1807

: Pope John Paul II: Complete Set of Lead Seals and Chains From the 1978 – Conclave Electing Saint John Paul II

: Zucchetto From Saint John Paul II’s Elevation to the Cardinalate

: Zucchetto of John Paul II (inside)

: Chasuble Worn by the Pope Saint John Paul II For the Closing Mass of World Youth Day, Denver, 1993

: Pope Alexander III: A Manuscript Signed in 1177 by Him & 3 Future Popes

: Pope Francis: Photo Signed by 28 of the Cardinals in the Conclave,

: Zucchetto Worn by Pope Francis

: Baseball Signed by Pope Francis on April 29, 2015

: A Relic of the Original Chair of St. Peter with Pontifical Coat of Arms

: St. Peter’s Original Chair Inside Bernini’s Masterpiece

: Antipope John XXIII

: Papal Bull from Pontificate of Anti Pope John XXIII–Reverse

Exciting News about The Vatican Returns to Duluth
August 19 -21, 2022
DECC City Side Convention Center
Father Richard Kunst

Due to an outpouring of interest in the papal artifacts of Fr. Richard Kunst, a decision has been made to host a second viewing of his collection, similar to but more extensive than, the 2004, The Vatican Comes to Duluth.

The Vatican Comes to Duluth was an exhibit of Father Richard Kunst’s Papal Artifacts’ Collection, believed to be the largest collection of papal memorabilia in North America, including manuscripts, clothing, relics, Swiss Guard items and other rarities connected to the papacy, canonized saints and notable individuals.

Father Kunst started this Collection while working for the U.S. Senate. Over the years, it continued to grow and became so substantial that colleagues encouraged him to share these significant artifacts through a public viewing. The year 2004 was chosen for this spectacular event, because it commemorated the end of Pope John Paul II’s Jubilee Year.

The Collection now includes items from Pope Francis to Pope St. Victor I (189-199) and even a relic from the original chair of St. Peter himself. It has grown immeasurably since 2004.

Proceeds will benefit Catholic schools in the Diocese of Duluth & the Star of the North Maternity Home.

The Collection has been viewed by the likes of George Weigel, a leading Catholic theologian, and Crux editor, John Allen Jr. In his May 2016 editorial, Allen wrote, “Of all places, a reminder from Duluth that the papacy matters: Father Richard Kunst.” The Papacy: A Living History, (a series about the Collection and hosted by Fr. Kunst) aired for two seasons on EWTN and was part of numerous media outlets covering stories about the Collection over the past many years. They have guaranteed an even broader audience than originally anticipated.

We encourage you to plan accordingly in August, so that you are present at what promises to be an event that will eclipse the 2004 showing. Open to the public it will include the artifacts themselves, a Vatican store, a sponsors’ gala dinner, and a wine and cheese night, (both events with guest speakers) to name just a few of the festivities being planned.

Father Richard Kunst has always had a mission to educate people about the Church. It is his conviction that, “you cannot love what you know little about. The Collection is an enjoyable, informative and sacred tool to help with that.”