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Exhibition of relics reveals details of Christ’s Passion

The Holy Shroud of Turin is one of the most prized relics from Jesus’ Passion. According to tradition it reveals the condition of his body after the crucifixion.

The Arte Poli Gallery Project and the Museum of Popes in Rome present a detailed exhibition about this relic.

The display also covers other relics, like a fragment of Christ’s blood obtained from the Holy Vases of Mantua; a part of the crown of thorns; filings from one of the nails used to crucify Jesus; a Lignum Crucis and a piece from the Holy Shroud itself.

Galleria Progetto Arte Poli and Museo dei Papi
“One time a person who was attracted by the significance of these relics brought his son, who was in a wheelchair, to kiss the relics. For me they’re a way to draw people closer to the faith.”

The main piece is this statue made by Italian Sergio Rodella. It matches up perfectly with the marks on the Holy Shroud.

Galleria Progetto Arte Poli and Museo dei Papi
“All the dimensions coincide. We can see all the marks from the beatings, the different signs of torture. It’s the first time the Holy Shroud fits a statue perfectly.”

The “Man of the Shroud” exhibition also includes never-before-seen photographs. They belonged to Lieutenant Felice Fino and Secondo Pia, the first person to photograph the Shroud of Turin.

The display is completed by documents about the Holy Shroud and this interesting mask.

Galleria Progetto Arte Poli y Museo dei Papi
“It’s a reconstruction of the face of the Man in the Shroud, without the marks from the Passion. So no bruises or swelling.”

The exhibition is open to the public at the Museum of Popes, just a few steps from the Vatican.

Daniel Díaz Vizzi