The Latin Rite Patriarch of Jerusalem’s Thoughts on the Shroud of Turin

This writing is based on Cardinal Pizzaballa’s perspective on how to interpret the Shroud of Turin. He argues that the burial linen of Jesus Christ does not explain the Resurrection; rather, it serves as a useful sign that introduces us to the mystery of the Resurrection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that a prominent voice in the Roman Catholic Church has expressed such a view. Indeed, his words place the radiative hypothesis, and the scientists supporting it, in a difficult position. This hypothesis has long been considered the most plausible explanation for the formation of the Shroud’s body image. We find this hypothesis unacceptable, not because its supporters refer to it as a miracle, but because they describe, step by step, as though it followed a temporal evolution. This is unacceptable, as a supernatural event must be instantaneous. Furthermore, beyond theological consideration, we will show that there are several problems that have been overlooked, as if physics were irrelevant (Emission by Human Body, Descriptions of a single Supernatural Event, Fibrils Yellowing, Non-Contat Areas, Penetration Depth, Body-Linen Correlation). We believe that both theological and scientific reasons are sufficient to dismiss the radiative hypothesis. Finally, a mention of two possible natural processes for the formation of Shroud Body Image, proposed by other scientists.