Who Was the Man in the Shroud?

Starting today and for the next seven weeks, pilgrims will come from all over the world to see the Shroud of Turin. The fragile, bloodstained linen cloth, that many believe to be the actual burial cloth of Jesus Christ, will be on public display for the first time in nearly 12 years and for the first time since its 2002 restoration. From April 10 until May 23, two million of the faithful and curious are expected to enter into the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy. Our Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, will be among the many visitors when he makes the trek to northern Italy on May 2. The Shroud of Turin is a 14-foot long by 3.3-foot wide linen cloth that bears the faint image of a crucified man. Millions believe that man to be Jesus Christ. It is said to be the most scientifically studied Church relic ever. And still the origin of this image is debated among scientists, historians and theologians.