Turin, Italy (Tuesday, 11/11/2014, Gaudium Press) The Shroud of Turin, which the Church believes to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, bearing the image of God made Man after the crucifixion, will be exposed to the public in 2015. The exhibition will have as its motto “L’amore piu grande” (the Greatest Love) and will be visited by Pope Francis in June. The Pontifical Custodian of the Shroud of Turin, Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia, explained, in an interview with ACI news agency, the meaning of maybe the most amazing relic of the Church.

Altar of the Cathedral of Turin where a photographic replica of the Holy Shroud is exposed – Photo: Paco CT

“Everyone who comes to see it prays and leaves impressed,” the prelate commented. “I am convinced that is because it is God who looks at them, he calls them, there is a message that comes to their heart and conscience … This Shroud is a living catechesis that explains our Faith. This salutary effect is what the Church wants the faithful to enjoy by allowing it to be publicly venerated” he continued.

Archbishop Nosiglia highlighted the peculiar style of drawing with which this mysterious image was painted on the cloth, which does not match any existing technique of painting. Scientific research tries to explain this by attributing it to some sort of radiation, which was able to depict every detail of the passion of Christ.

The Church has not closed the studies on the Holy Shroud and do not impose on believers to accept the authenticity of the relic as a dogma of faith. The unexplained characteristics of the shroud contributed to the fact that millions of faithful, priests, bishops and popes venerate the relic as authentic. “No one has so far given a definite answer on this issue, … the Gospel is presented in its full reality, but also in its beauty and depth,” explained the Archbishop. (GPE / EPC)