Pope Francis has called for the return of three fragments from the 2,500-year-old Parthenon Sculptures, which have been housed by the Vatican Museum since the 19th century, to Greece.
It's the latest move in a global campaign pushing for artifacts to be returned to their countries of origin.
The pope’s decision could place pressure on other museums, specifically those in the United Kingdom, that house even larger pieces of the sculptures. The U.K. has insisted the marble sculpture pieces were acquired “legally” and do not need to be returned. The Culture Ministry in Greece said it welcomes the pope’s donation. The return from the British Museum is also necessary for the “reunification with those on display in the Acropolis Museum,” the ministry said. The Acropolis echoed the sentiments.
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