Vatican researcher finds text on Shroud of Turin: burial certificate for Jesus?

November 20, 2009

A researcher studying the Shroud of Turin has reported finding traces of writing on the cloth, which she believes are further evidence of the Shroud's authenticity. "I think I have managed to read the burial certificate of Jesus the Nazarene," said Barbara Frale, a historian working in the Vatican archives.

At the time of Christ's death, it was customary to write a note identifying the deceased, and attach that note to the burial cloth. Some ink transferred to the cloth of the Shroud, Frale theorizes, and the fragments of words that are legible today seem to identify Jesus, who was "condemned to death by a Roman judge because he was found guilty by a Hebrew authority," according to the note.

If it is accurate, Frale's report would weigh heavily against the theory that the Shroud of Turin is a medieval forgery. The note that she claims to have discerned refers to "Jesus the Nazarene," whereas in the medieval period the Lord was always referred to as "Jesus Christ," and references to "the Nazarene" were condemned as lingering evidence of the Arian heresy.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Researcher says she found text on Shroud of Turin (AP)
• Death certificate is imprinted on the Shroud of Turin, says Vatican scholar (London Times)