Secret restoration work on the Shroud of Turin has set off
heated debate between the custodian of what some consider Christianitys
most sacred relic and scientists studying its authenticity.
Cardinal Severino Poletto of Turin announced recently that
experts had “rejuvenated” the shroud, which is preserved in a bulletproof
aluminum and crystal casket in Turins Renaissance Cathedral of St. John.
Secret restoration work on the Shroud of Turin has set off
heated debate between the custodian of what some consider Christianitys
most sacred relic and scientists studying its authenticity.
Cardinal Severino Poletto of Turin announced recently that
experts had “rejuvenated” the shroud, which is preserved in a bulletproof
aluminum and crystal casket in Turins Renaissance Cathedral of St. John.
“I believe they were well intentioned,” said William
Meacham, a University of Hong Kong archaeologist. “I also believe that
they made a terrible mistake.”
Many Christians revere the 17-foot-long linen sheet bearing
the outline – like a photographic negative – of the body and face
of a bearded man. They insist the shroud is the winding-sheet in which Jesus
was wrapped after his crucifixion.
This summer, during 40 days of work, experts removed patches
that Clarisse nuns sewed on the cloth after it was damaged in a fire in the
French Cathedral of Chambery in 1532. They replaced its 16th-century backing
and vacuumed up particles of pollen, burnt cloth and other impurities.
“Nothing has been lost, because everything that was removed
… was cataloged and conserved,” Poletto said.
Also, when the backing was removed, both sides of the shroud
were scanned digitally for the first time, measurements and observations were
recorded and photographs were taken at each step of the work.
Even so, Meacham called the work “radical and invasive”
and said it was begun without sufficient consultation. It seriously will hamper
scientific investigation, he said.
“There was no urgent threat to the shroud. Most conservators would have
recommended doing nothing at all.” (RNS)