BXVI and the Shroud

And now moving from the stupid and banal to the sublime:

Benedict XVI to Visit Jesus' Burial Cloth in Turin

By Robert Moynihan

WASHINGTON, D.C., NOV. 2, 2009 (Zenit.org).- One of the most mysterious cloths in the world, bearing the image of a tortured, crucified man, is preserved in the Royal Chapel of St. John the Baptist in the Cathedral of Turin, Italy.

It is called the Shroud of Turin. Pious tradition holds that it is the actual burial cloth of Jesus, used to wrap him in his tomb after his crucifixion in 33 A.D., nearly 2,000 years ago, and that the image on the cloth is an actual "picture" of Jesus himself as he lay in his tomb.

Benedict XVI will go to Turin next year, on May 2, to see the Holy Shroud in person. The Vatican and the Archdiocese of Turin announced the visit last week.

"As the first act of his visit, the Holy Father will pause for personal prayer before the Holy Shroud," the archdiocese said.

The Pope will see the Holy Shroud along with millions of faithful as it will be on public display for 54 days, from April 10 until May 23, 2010. (The Archdiocese of Turin has a Web site -- www.sindone.org -- where you can go to make a reservation to view the Shroud during the exposition period).

By visiting the Shroud, and by praying before it, the Pope is showing his respect and veneration for this mysterious linen.

But is the Shroud really authentic?

Let's take a look at the evidence..MORE>>