Pope confirms visit to Shroud of Turin

(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.