The Empty Pedestal of Demas

Demas was one of traveling companions of St. Paul on his missionary journeys. He is mentioned several places in the New Testament, e.g. "Demas and Luke, my fellow workers" (Phlm 24), "Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you" (Col 4:14)

But in the end he left Paul: "For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessaloni'ca" (2 Tim 4:10).

His departure is symbolized by an empty pedestal in the courtyard of the basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls.

The other pedestal contains a statue of St. Luke, who remained with Paul to the end.

Thanks to Ben Akers for the article that revealed this very interesting detail to me.