Penn Museum debuts new biblical writings exhibit

UNIVERSITY CITY (WPVI) -- A new exhibit is now open in Philadelphia in preparation for Pope Francis' visit, and it focuses on the biblical era.

Penn Museum latest exhibit is titled "Sacred Writings: Extraordinary Texts of the Biblical World."

The exhibit features rare artifacts, including one of the world's oldest fragments of the Gospel of Saint Matthew from the third century and also the first bible printed in America.

There are also several galleries that feature artwork from ancient Egypt.

A speaker at today's unveiling said, "[It is a] wonderful opportunity to put together a small but truly inspiring exhibit. Now there are only ten texts on display, but what a spectacular set of texts they are. They are of enormous historical significance."

Another rare artifact on display is one of the earliest versions of the Mesopotamian flood story illustrated on clay. It is estimated to be over 3,500-years-old.

The museum expects to be busy with visitors during the week of the World Meeting of Families. However, the exhibit is on display until November 8th.