Vatican returns fragments of Parthenon sculptures in move that could increase pressure on British Museum to do the same

With eye on British Museum, Greece welcomes back ancient art

Sculpture fragments from Parthenon temple on Acropolis had been kept at Vatican Museums

Vatican returns Parthenon sculpture fragments in move that could add pressure on British Museum to do the same

The British Museum has resisted calls to return the sculptures to Greece, after they were brought to the UK in the 19th century by diplomat Lord Elgin.

Vatican returns parts of Parthenon to Athens

The Vatican delivered three parts of the Parthenon to Greece at a ceremony at the Acropolis Museum in Athens on Friday. For more than two centuries, the Vatican Museum has preserved the parts in question. This is a “gesture of friendship and solidarity with the Greek people,” said Bishop Brian Farrell, Secretary for Promoting Christian Unity.

Vatican returns Parthenon sculptures to Greece

The Greek culture minister said she hopes their return will set an example for other institutions to follow.

Following demands for restitution, the Vatican returned three fragments of marble from the Parthenon to Greece

This is a donation agreed upon by both parties. Meanwhile, tension continues with Great Britain, which, for now, refuses to do the same with its pieces

Greece welcomes back ancient art held at Vatican

Greece welcomed the return of ancient artifacts from the Acropolis, furthering a campaign to press the British Museum to hand back a collection of sculptures taken from the ancient site in Athens more than 200 years ago. (March 24) (AP video/Srdjan Nedeljkovic)