Two crowns designed by famed Argentine silversmith Juan Carlos
Pallarols and crafted with the help of some 600,000 people, including
Pope Benedict XVI, were stolen Thursday, church sources said.
The
crowns, along with a rosary, were taken from a church sanctuary in San
Nicolas, some 245 kilometers (150 miles) northeast of the Argentine
capital.
The theft was discovered by the church sexton, Carlos
Perez, who told local media he found the glass display case broken and
the objects missing early Thursday morning.
Both crowns were made
of silver with gold inlays, forged from donated medals, rings, and other
jewelry, and blessed by the pope, the Catholic News Agency of Argentina
reported.
Some 600,000 Argentines, including President Cristina
Kirchner, as well as the pope, took turns with metal hammers to help
shape the crowns, the agency added.
Pallarols, 70, is a renowned
artist who has made ceremonial staffs for several Argentine presidents
as well as numerous official gifts.