(July,28,2009): Pope Benedict XVI confirmed his intention to visit the Shroud of
Turin, when it goes on public display in Turin's cathedral next year from April 10
to May 23 . Cardinal Severino Poletto of Turin, papal custodian of the Shroud of Turin,
visited the pope July 26 in Les Combes, Italy, where the Pope was spending part of
his vacation. The Cardinal gave the Pope the latest news concerning preparations for
next year's public exposition of the shroud, and the Pope "confirmed his intention
to go to Turin for the occasion," said the Vatican spokesman, Jesuit Father Federico
Lombardi, in a written statement on July 27. The specific date of the papal visit
has yet to be determined, the priest added. The last time the Shroud of Turin
was displayed to the public was in 2000 for the jubilee year. The shroud is removed
from a specially designed protective case only for very special spiritual occasions,
and its removal for study, or display to the public must be approved by the Pope.