Pope Benedict Visits Sanctuary Housing Image Of Jesus' Face
Yvonne Lee - All Headline News Staff Reporter Manoppello, Italy (AHN) - Pope Benedict XVI makes a pilgrimage to an obscure 17th-century sanctuary in the village of Manoppello, Italy which houses a holy relic. Some Christians believe that a veil held at the site was used to wipe blood and sweat from Jesus' face as he was led to his crucifixion. The cloth is said to bear his image. Benedict prayed before the altar at the sanctuary. He then went behind it and prayed in front of the relic, called "Holy Face" and the "Veil of Veronica." According to Christian lore, Veronica was one of the women who accompanied Jesus to his crucifixion. She gave him a veil or cloth to wipe his face, resulting in an imprint of his face. Benedict was greeted by thousands of pilgrims waving flags and holding banners that said "Benedict, Benedict," and "Hurrah for the pope." He arrived by helicopter and was welcomed by Bishop Bruno Forte, who is a friend from Cheti. It was the first time a pontiff has visited the sanctuary. Benedict did not comment on the veil's authenticity or origins. But his visit has generated interest in the cloth. He said, "This is the meaning of my visit. So that together we can try to better know the face of our Lord, so that from it we can find strength in love and peace that can show us the path." Some experts say the image from the "Holy Face" can be perfectly superimposed on the one found on the Holy Shroud of |
