April 13, 2010. The Holy Shroud can be seen in the cathedral of the Italian city of Turin and will be exhibited until May 23rd. 12,000 people visited the exhibit the first day. It started with a mass presided by Cardinal Severino Polleto.
Cardinal Severino Polleto
Archbishop Turín (Italy)
“We have finally reached this moment we’ve been waiting for so long. Now our eyes can finally see the Holy Shroud up close, we can witness, the silent but eloquent image of a crucified man.”
The cardinal point out the Holy Shroud helps reflect on the passion of Christ. He said observing the marks on the linen helps people understand the suffering that Jesus chose and took on for the love of mankind.
Cardinal Severino Polleto
Archbishop Turín
“I recommend you see before the Holy Shroud without prejudices and compare your own suffering with that of Jesus and that of many people who live near and far from us.”
The cardinal recalled the Holy Shroud is not a truth of faith therefore the Church does not have to take an official position on it. He also did not rule out new scientific studies on the linen.
Cardinal Severino Polleto
Archbishop Turín (Italy)
“We have sent requests from scientists to the Holy See because the pope is the owner of the shroud.”
Msgr. Giuseppe Ghiberti
President, Archdiocese Commission on Holy Shroud (Turin)
“In the last years they have not directly analyzed the Holy Shroud. After this new display there will be a new analysis allowed.”
Prof. Bruno Barberis
Director, International Centre of Sindonology
“It will be necessary to collect data and using most modern tools in order to update this information.”
Through this exposition the Church aims to get a deeper look into the last moments of Jesus’ life and to reflect on the suffering of man. Scientists hope the Church will accept new investigations to learn the truth.
The Holy Shroud has not been on public display for 10 years, and it is unknown when it will be shown again.
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