2M to Visit Shroud of Turin

Some 2 million visitors are expected to view the mysterious Shroud of Turin when it goes on display in Turin this spring. The 14-foot-long piece of linen, which is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ and to miraculously bear his image, has only gone on public display six times in 100 years. Some 1 million people have already reserved tickets to see the restored shroud when the exhibit opens in Turn Cathedral, notes the Independent.

The cloth has set off one of the great historical debates of all time. Scientists have revealed that carbon dating tests indicate the cloth dates from 1260 to 1360, which would mean it was created by pranksters. But other researchers argue that the cloth was contaminated over the years, which would skew test results, while others have dated it to the time of Christ. Pope Benedict will visit the shroud in May. The Vatican hasn't taken an official stand on the shroud's authenticity, but officials consider it a "powerful symbol of Christ's suffering."
(More Vatican stories.)