DNA Test Results Cast Doubt on Woman's Claims of Virgin Mary Statue 'Crying Blood'
In 2016, Gisella Cardia purchased a statue of the Virgin Mary from a religious site in Medjugorje, Bosnia, and brought it to her home in Trevignano Romano, Italy. Cardia later claimed that the statue exhibited miraculous phenomena, including "crying blood" and conveying messages to her. These alleged supernatural occurrences attracted numerous visitors, and Cardia reportedly received thousands of dollars in donations.
However, in 2023, prosecutors in Civitavecchia accused Cardia of fraud, alleging that the blood on the statue was, in fact, pig's blood. As part of the investigation, DNA samples were taken from the statue, and the results have now been disclosed. Initial findings confirmed that the blood belonged to a human woman, but further analysis revealed traces of Cardia's DNA in the bloodstains.
Cardia's lawyer, Solange Marchignoli, argued that the presence of her client's DNA does not definitively prove the claims were fraudulent. She emphasized that the nature of the DNA—whether it is a single-profile or mixed—is crucial to determining the case's outcome. Marchignoli called for additional investigations, stating, "From a scientific point of view, the DNA stain deserves further investigation. We are waiting to know if it is a mixed or single profile.
If the profile is single, it means it is only Cardia's, suggesting she placed it there, which would lead to a trial. However, if the profile is mixed, as expected, it means the DNA also contains Gisella's DNA, which is plausible since she handled, kissed, and used the statue."
Marchignoli defended her client, asserting that Cardia is "moved by deep faith and has nothing to gain from this," adding that she is "not crazy."
The DNA findings follow an independent investigation by the Diocese of Civita Castellana, which concluded that the events were "non-supernatural." In a statement issued in May 2024, Bishop Marco Salvi explained that after careful examination, including testimonies and expert analysis by a Mariologist, theologian, canonist, and psychologist, the diocese determined that the alleged miracles lacked supernatural origins. The statement read, "After an appropriate period of discernment, having listened to testimonies and consulted experts, and after fervent prayer, we decree the events in question to be non-supernatural."
The case remains under scrutiny as further investigations into the DNA evidence continue.
