The Shroud of Turin — believed by some to be the wrapping cloth of Jesus Christ, dismissed by others as a hoax — goes on display April 19 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Turin, Italy.

The shroud’s origins remain a subject of dispute, despite a comprehensive analysis conducted in 1978 and an attempt in 1988 to determine its age by carbon dating. The Catholic Church’s position has not changed since 1390, when Pope Clement VII told the faithful it was a representation of Christ’s Passion but not necessarily evidence of it.

The 14-by-3.5-foot cloth bears the front and rear images of a bearded, naked man who shows evidence of having suffered a savage beating and a Roman-style crucifixion.

Exhibit organizers have set aside June 6-7 for military personnel and their families. That means priority group reservations and interpretation services.

Admission is free, but reservations are necessary to see the shroud close-up. Book online at sindone.org or by calling (+39) 011 529 5550. Without reservations, visitors can enter the cathedral but cannot approach the shroud.

Ugo Amparore, the chaplain for the Carabinieri Regional Command in Turin, is available to assist pilgrimages by military groups. He can be reached by phone at (+39) 011 688 5761 or by email at cappmil@libero.it.

The exhibit, the first since 2010, runs through June 24.

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