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In a stunning development, genetic testing has officially identified the remains housed in Seville Cathedral as belonging to the controversial explorer Christopher Columbus. The announcement, made by forensic medical expert José Antonio Lorente and a team of scientists from the University of Granada, marks the end of a long-standing historical mystery.

Utilizing DNA samples from Columbus's son, Fernando, and one of his brothers, Lorente confirmed the identity of the remains. "Thanks to new technology, the previous partial theory that the remains in Seville are those of Christopher Columbus has been definitively confirmed," Lorente stated during a press conference.

Columbus, who passed away in 1506 in what is now Spain, expressed a wish to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The remains were transported there in 1542 but were later moved multiple times, eventually reaching Seville in 1898 after Spain lost control of Cuba during the Spanish-American War.

Debate has persisted for more than a century over whether Columbus’s complete remains were transferred to Seville. In 1877, a small lead box containing bone fragments labeled as Columbus's was uncovered in the Santo Domingo Cathedral in the Dominican Republic. These remains are now housed at the Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo Este, raising further questions since the set of remains in Seville is incomplete as well.

Scientists have also delved into Columbus's genetic background, though Lorente remained tight-lipped about the findings. While it is widely accepted that Columbus sailed under the Spanish flag in 1492, his true origin has been a subject of debate among historians. Speculations have ranged from Genoa, Italy, to being a Spanish Jew, or possibly Greek, Basque, or Portuguese. The full results are set to be disclosed in a documentary titled "Columbus DNA: The True Origin," which will premiere on the Spanish national broadcaster TVE.

Lorente acknowledged the intricacy of the investigation, highlighting the importance of these genetic revelations for future historical analyses. "There are some really important results - results that will help us in multiple studies and analyses that should be evaluated by historians," he added, as reported by the Guardian.

Christopher Columbus is commemorated with a federal holiday in the United States on the second Monday of October annually. However, the celebration is fraught with controversy, as historians challenge the narrative that he "discovered America," pointing out that he only reached the Bahamas and parts of the Caribbean. Critics also condemn Columbus for his role in enslaving indigenous populations and introducing devastating diseases. In response to these concerns, the U.S. now observes Indigenous Peoples Day alongside Columbus Day, attempting to honor both perspectives accordingly.