Benedict XVI says he hopes veneration of the Shroud of Turin will help people to seek the Face of God.
The Pope said this today after praying the midday Regina Caeli with crowds that had gathered at the Apostolic Palace in Castel Gandolfo. The Holy Father is at the papal summer residence for a few days, following his intense Holy Week and Easter schedule.
The exhibition of the Holy Shroud began in Turin on Saturday. The Pontiff himself is scheduled for a trip to Turin to venerate the shroud on May 2.
“I rejoice for this event, which once again is encouraging a large movement of pilgrims as well as studies, reflections and above all an extraordinary recollection of the mystery of Christ’s suffering,” he said. “I hope that this act of veneration will help all to seek the Face of God, which was the intimate aspiration of the Apostles and is [also] our own.”
CASTEL GANDOLFO, Italy, APRIL 11, 2010 (Zenit.org)