Italian scientists have made a remarkable discovery about the age of the Shroud of Turin, a relic believed by many to be the burial cloth of Jesus Christ.

The Institute of Crystallography in Italy, known for its research, has announced its findings regarding the Shroud, which has long been a subject of debate among believers and skeptics. The Shroud, arguably the most studied relic in history, has been subject to scrutiny and analysis for centuries.

The Institute’s research involved a technique called Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), which helps determine the age of materials. Their results indicate that the Shroud appears to be a relic dating back over 2,000 years.

“The are compatible with the hypothesis that the T[urin Shroud] is a 2000-year-old relic, as supposed by Christian tradition,” the Institute of Crystallography stated on its website.

“We obtained one-dimensional integrated WAXS data profiles for the T[urin Shroud] sample, which were fully compatible with the analogous measurements obtained on a linen sample whose dating, according to historical records, is 55–74 AD, Siege of Masada (Israel),” the Institute added.

This latest discovery contradicts a 1988 dating test that concluded the Shroud was only about 1350 years old. The 1988 test, conducted by three independent labs, cast significant doubt on the Shroud’s authenticity.

The Institute’s new findings suggest that “the T[urin Shroud] fabric is much older than the seven centuries proposed by the 1988 radiocarbon dating.”

While acknowledging that their findings are “experimental,” the Institute notes that they align with “13 centuries of unknown history, in addition to the seven centuries of known history in Europe.” 

Beyond the scientific community, the Shroud of Turin holds great significance for many people of faith worldwide, who see it as potential evidence of Christ’s life, death, and resurrection.

Digital reached out to , founder of Word on Fire ministry, for his perspective on the findings.

“I have had a long fascination for the Shroud of Turin. It first came to my attention when I was 16 and I read everything I could about the Shroud- its history and provenance, arguments regarding its authenticity, and the scientific research,” said the Bishop.

“As such the recent news that the use of new technology had led to a different conclusion than a carbon dating test conducted in 1988.  It seems that there is now new evidence that strengthens the hypothesis that the cloth of the Shroud is contemporary to the time of Christ.”

The Bishop clarified, “our faith in Christ’s resurrection is in no way dependent on the Shroud but its uncanny power to capture our attention and many other mysteries have strengthened the faith of many.”

“I believe the continued fascination people have for the Shroud is an indication of the continued relevance of Christ to even a culture as secular as our own. But it also reveals that in the midst of a prevailing secularism people remain drawn to the uncanny, spiritual aspects of our existence and desire to experience for themselves the mysteries of God.”

The Institute of Crystallography did not respond to Digital’s request for comment.