12th century manuscript stolen from Spanish cathedral

SPANISH police are investigating the disappearance of the Codex Calixtinus, a valuable 12th century manuscript, from the Santiago de Compostela cathedral in northwestern region of Galicia, a spokesman said yesterday.

The manuscript is a collection of sermons and liturgical texts and served as a guide for the historical Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, which dates back to the Middle Ages.

The elaborately illustrated document, thought to date from around 1150, disappeared from a safe deposit box in the cathedral last week, though the theft was only reported yesterday.

A police spokeswoman added that the manuscript is usually kept in a room to which only about half a dozen people have access.

The suspected theft is considered a major loss for Spain's cultural and religious heritage.

The Codex is only brought out on special occasions, such as last year's visit of Pope Benedict, when it is closely guarded.