Someone being beatified is typically exhumed (if their gravesite is known): (a) to determine whether they've been miraculously preserved; (b) to recover relics; and (c) to move their body to a more accessible or impressive resting place.
It's pretty much standard procedure.
to recover relics;
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Why is the condition of the body important?
What is the purpose of relics?
As a Protestant Christian I find this entire exercise utterly befuddling. Why are Catholics digging up his grave?
Someone being beatified is typically exhumed (if their gravesite is known): (a) to determine whether they've been miraculously preserved; (b) to recover relics; and (c) to move their body to a more accessible or impressive resting place.
It's pretty much standard procedure.
I do note the tone of the headline "gravedigger" versus the commonly used "exhumed" is not a kind choice of words. But at least today, there is little reason to enter into a debate on this. The practices of other religions could likewise be skewed with unflattering terminology.