DNA tests indicate skeleton is that of Luke

PADUA, Italy — The Vatican says new DNA tests reinforce traditional claims that a skeleton buried in a lead coffin in Padua, Italy, is that of Luke, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples.

Guido Barbujani told The New York Times that DNA tests he performed on a sample taken from the skeleton revealed that the remains were that of a man of Mediterranean descent. The man most likely originated from Antioch, said Barbujani, the region where tradition states Luke was born. Radiocarbon dating of the skeleton shows that the man died sometime during the first through fifth centuries.

According to Zenit News Agency, the lead coffin containing the skeleton has been in Padua since the 12th century and was last displayed in 1562. Scientific study of the claims that the skeleton was that of the apostle Luke began in 1998.PADUA, Italy — The Vatican says new DNA tests reinforce traditional claims that a skeleton buried in a lead coffin in Padua, Italy, is that of Luke, one of Jesus’ 12 disciples.

Guido Barbujani told The New York Times that DNA tests he performed on a sample taken from the skeleton revealed that the remains were that of a man of Mediterranean descent. The man most likely originated from Antioch, said Barbujani, the region where tradition states Luke was born. Radiocarbon dating of the skeleton shows that the man died sometime during the first through fifth centuries.

According to Zenit News Agency, the lead coffin containing the skeleton has been in Padua since the 12th century and was last displayed in 1562. Scientific study of the claims that the skeleton was that of the apostle Luke began in 1998.