[MSN] Parishes in Naples are removing precious artworks from local places of worship following the theft of 18th century nativity scene figurines, estimated to be worth €1 million, from a church in Naples.

[Museum Security Network Mailinglist]

Naples transfers church treasures. 

Parishes in Naples are removing precious artworks from local places of worship following the theft of 18th century nativity scene figurines, estimated to be worth €1 million, from a church in Naples. 

Valuable paintings, statues and ornaments in churches will be replaced by copies, while the originals will be safeguarded in a religious museum that is being specially built to house the masterpieces. 

The Archbishop of Naples, Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, has said that highly skilled craftsmen will make the copies so that only an expert will be able to tell the difference between the originals and the imitations.