The exhibition of the Holy Shroud
A journey between faith, science and art
The Ateneo Pontificio Regina Apostolorum in Rome hosts an extraordinary exhibition dedicated to the Holy Shroud, an event that combines art, faith and science to offer visitors an immersive and engaging experience. The exhibition Who is the man of the Shroud?, which is part of the University’s wider program to explore the mysteries of the Shroud, represents a unique opportunity to get closer to one of the most enigmatic and revered objects of Christianity.
The Holy Shroud has been at the center of a debate involving theologians, scientists and historians for centuries. Considered by many to be the shroud that wrapped the body of Jesus Christ after his crucifixion, this relic fascinates and questions the modern world for its extraordinary religious value and the mystery that surrounds it. The exhibition set up at the Athenaeum is not limited to exhibiting a reproduction of the Shroud, but guides visitors through a multimedia and interactive path that traces the history of the shroud, examines its characteristics and explores both its scientific and spiritual implications.
Traveling Exhibition of the Shroud: Orte and San Godenzo
The exhibition at the Athenaeum is part of a broader context that sees the Shroud as the protagonist of other initiatives. Between April and May 2024, a traveling version of the exhibition was brought to two important Italian locations: Orte and San Godenzo. From 6 to 20 April 2024, the city of Orte (Viterbo) hosted the exhibition in the Hall of the Bishop’s Palace. This event attracted great interest, culminating in a closing conference entitled Shroud: a mystery between history, science and
faith, also held in Orte. The conference was attended by illustrious scholars in the field:
Bellucci, E. Marinelli, R. Pascual and D. Repice. These experts offered insights into the historical and scientific significance of the Shroud, stimulating a deep reflection on the multiple interpretations that the relic arouses.
After Orte, the exhibition continued its journey to San Godenzo (Florence), where it was on display from 1 to 30 May 2024. The event attracted a broad audience, including devotees, scholars, and curious individuals who were eager to explore the mystery of the Shroud with a faith and science approach.
A Dialogue between Science and Faith
The itinerary of the exhibition at APRA and its itinerant journey demonstrate how the Shroud is able to speak not only to believers, but also to those who are fascinated by the encounter between science and mystery. The exhibition explores not only the history of the shroud, but also the modern scientific techniques used to analyze it, such as carbon-14 analysis and studies of the image imprinted on the fabric. Despite numerous researches, the Shroud continues to remain an enigma, an object that defies rational explanations and invites spiritual contemplation.
In conclusion, the exhibition represents an extraordinary opportunity to approach the mystery of the Shroud, through a journey that touches the heart of faith and reason. Orte and San Godenzo were significant stages of a journey that will continue to raise questions and nourish the devotion of those who participate.