EXPOSITION OF HOLY SHROUD OF TURIN AUGUST 12 - OCTOBER 22

VATICAN CITY, MAY 22, 2000 (VIS) - Archbishop Severino Poletto of Turin presided at a press conference today in the Holy See Press office to illustrate the exposition of the Holy Shroud in the Cathedral of St. John in Turin, Italy from August 12 to October 22.

The Shroud of Turin is believed by millions of Christians to be the burial cloth which wrapped the body of Jesus Christ following his death. The pure linen cloth in a fishbone weave measures 14 feet by 3 and a half feet. It contains the full frontal and dorsal imprints of a supine man and has carmine-color stains corresponding to blood. It is spangled with a double series of dark spots caused by burns it underwent in a fire in the 16th century, and the water use to douse the fire has left broad symmetrical rings, clearly visible. Less visible are transverse marks corresponding to creases in the linen which, before its final voyage to Turin in 1578, had been preserved in its reliquary by folding it in 48 thicknesses.

The man in the image is 180 centimeters tall and has long hair, a beard and mustache. The eyes are closed, the hands and forearms crossed, and the body bears signs of torture.

Archbishop Poletto, custodian of the Holy Shroud, explained that several years ago the Holy Father had been asked if he wished the shroud to be exposed in 1998, the 100th anniversary of the photographic negative which first exposed the image on the shroud, or in the Jubilee Year 2000. The Pope replied that he desired both. The Jubilee Year exposition will be similar to the 1998 one, given the successful organization of that showing, said the archbishop.

The archbishop, remarking that the original date of the exposition was set for late August, said that date was moved up to give all the young people coming to Rome for World Youth Day a chance to see the shroud during their stay in Italy.

Archbishop Poletto stressed that reservations are free but obligatory for viewing the Shroud of Turin. As occurred in 1998, a large influx of visitors is expected.

Reservations may be made in Italy by calling the toll-free number 800-329-329. To call from other countries, use the following toll-free numbers: France (0800907674); Germany (0130819457); Great Britain (0800967951); Spain (900993943); Switzerland (0800551129); Argentina (00398003034734); other countries (39115118900). Reservations may also be made by Internet at www.giubileo.piemonte.it or at the diocese of Turin site of the sindone or Holy Shroud: www.sindone.org

Confirmation of reservations will occur by regular mail or by e-mail. In addition tickets may be picked up at special kiosks set up around Turin during the exposition period.

The archbishop also pointed out that there will be, upon the suggestion of pilgrims who visited Turin in 1998, a distinct and separate area set aside for confessions. Special days have been set aside for the ill: August 30, September 13 and 27 and October 11. Every Wednesday and Friday evening at 9:30, Archbishop Poletto will celebrate Mass in the cathedral. On Sundays at 11 a.m., he will celebrate Mass in the church of St. Philip.

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