Gisella Cardia made remarkable claims about a statue she said performed miracles, including shedding tears of blood.
However, recent DNA test results have raised skepticism about her assertion that a Virgin Mary statue miraculously “cried blood.”
The story began in 2016 when Cardia bought the statue from a religious site in Medjugorje, Bosnia, and brought it to her home in Trevignano Romano, Italy.
Soon after, Cardia began making astonishing claims, asserting that the statue not only wept blood but also conveyed messages she believed were divine.
Reports of these alleged miracles attracted both devoted believers and intrigued spectators, many of whom traveled to witness the statue firsthand. Convinced of its sacred nature, some even donated thousands of euros.
However, in 2023, prosecutors in Civitavecchia opened an investigation, accusing Cardia of fraud. Authorities suspected that the blood on the statue was not of divine origin but instead came from an animal—possibly a pig.
To find the truth, forensic specialists analyzed DNA samples taken from the Virgin Mary statue. The test results have now been revealed, shedding new light on the controversy.
Gisella Cardia is being investigated for fraudMassimo Di Vita/Archivio Massimo Di Vita/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
The initial forensic examination confirmed that the blood on the statue belonged to a human female. Now, further details have emerged.
As reported by the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, lab results identified traces of Cardia’s DNA within the blood staining the statue.
Despite this discovery, her attorney contends that this alone is not definitive proof of fraud. The central issue, she emphasizes, is whether the DNA presents a singular profile or a mixed sample.
Due to this uncertainty, Cardia and her defense team are demanding additional scientific tests to achieve clearer conclusions.
Solange Marchignoli remarked, “From a scientific standpoint, the DNA sample requires further examination.”
“We are awaiting confirmation on whether it is a single or mixed profile. If it’s a single profile belonging only to Cardia, it would indicate she placed it there herself, which could lead to a trial. However, if—as anticipated—the profile is mixed, it would suggest that the DNA on the statue includes Gisella’s, which is expected since she frequently handled, kissed, and used the statuette.”
A picture of the statue seen behind Cardia during a TV appearanceMassimo Di Vita/Archivio Massimo Di Vita/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images
Marchignoli has continued to defend her client, stressing that Cardia’s actions are driven by deep religious devotion. She asserts that Cardia has no hidden agenda or financial gain in this case, firmly denying any claims of mental instability.
Meanwhile, the Diocese of Civita Castellana carried out an extensive investigation into the incidents and ultimately determined that the events did not have a supernatural cause.
