Interview with Archbishop Severino Poletto of Turin
Nov 30, 2004
Holy Shroud, Youth, and Ecumenism
(ZENIT.org, August 10, 2000) VATICAN CITY - Archbishop Poletto, who was interviewed on Vatican Radio, described some of the novelties of this Holy Year exposition, and mentioned the benefits it could contribute to the dialogue between Catholics and Russian Orthodox, as the latter have a special veneration for the relic.
The Archbishop did not refer to the debate on the scientific studies carried out so far on the Shroud, an issue that was examined during a Congress of experts held in Turin from March 2-5. On that occasion, the Archdiocese heard the different points of view and was brought up to date on the new discoveries that will facilitate decisions, including the type of future studies that could be made of the Holy Shroud. However, such decisions belong ultimately to the Pope, custodian of the Holy Shroud, who has delegated this task to the Archbishop of Turin.
-- Why is the Holy Shroud being exhibited again, after only two years?
Archbishop Poletto: Cardinal Saldarini, my predecessor, asked John Paul II if the exposition should be organized in 1998, the anniversary of the first photograph, or if he thought it more appropriate to wait for the Jubilee. The Pope responded affirmatively to both occasions. So we are prepared for another exposition of the Shroud, the longest of all time, after only two years. The official opening will take place on August 12, with a group of foreign youths, whom I, myself, will guide. The next day, Sunday 13th, I will concelebrate Mass with the Piedmont bishops, the official opening of the exposition.
-- Have you already received reservations from young people going to the World Youth Day in Rome?
Archbishop Poletto: First of all, we have the joy of being able to accommodate close to 10,000 youths in Turin in the preceding days. I think that all the foreign youths accommodated in the Piedmont diocese from the 12th to the 13th will have the possibility to come and venerate the Holy Shroud. Specifically, in order to enable those who will not be in Piedmont to visit, we moved the opening date of the exposition forward, so that they will be able to take advantage of this opportunity, because, and I wish to stress this, two consecutive expositions are a real exception, which might never happen again. Unless there are surprises, the next exposition will take place during the next Holy Year.
-- Are youths interested in the Holy Shroud? What was your experience two years ago, in the preceding exposition?
Archbishop Poletto: In the preceding exhibition nothing was planned specifically for youth. However, on this occasion, the event has been moved forward specifically for them, and, because of this, we have organized ourselves to have time dedicated especially to them, particularly at the beginning.
-- Compared to the 1998 exposition, how has the itinerary that the pilgrims will follow been programmed?
Archbishop Poletto: It has been enriched, both in the phase before viewing the Shroud as well as after. The so-called "pre-reading" begins in the garden of the Royal Palace, and passes behind the Cathedral. It is an enclosed passage in which pilgrims are asked to enter an atmosphere of silence and prayer. Moreover, on this occasion there are three pauses on the way during which, through pictures, icons, and texts, pilgrims are encouraged to be in syntony with what they will see. As in 1998, a "room for reflection" follows, in which, with texts in all languages, the image of the Shroud is projected in all its details, to prepare persons to understand the meaning of the relic. Then they go in to venerate the Holy Shroud. There are interesting novelties this time on the way out: a prefabricated structure for 12 confessors of various languages and, adjacent, a chapel with continuous Eucharistic adoration.
-- It seems that Catholics are not the only ones interested in the Holy Shroud. Christians of other denominations have registered and are coming on pilgrimage to Turin.
Archbishop Poletto: Indeed, especially the Orthodox. Last May, we paid an official visit to Patriarch Alexei II of Moscow to invite him to venerate the Holy Shroud. We know the Orthodox are extremely devoted to the Shroud. I also told to the Patriarch that it would be wonderful if he carried out the "miracle" of coming to Turin to venerate the Shroud and meet with the Holy Father. Of course, I only did it in my own name. Alexei II was very interested, but given that the meeting with the Pope has not yet been arranged, he will send Metropolitan Kirill, one of his closest collaborators, who will come with an official delegation of 4 people. We will celebrate solemn Vespers together, which will be presided over by the Metropolitan, in the presence of the Holy Shroud.
Interview with Archbishop Severino Poletto of Turin