The last public exposition of the Shroud of Turin took place in 2015, authorized by Pope Francis as an early exhibition ahead of the Jubilee Year originally scheduled for 2025. That 2025 exposition had been formally set by Pope John Paul II, but it will no longer take place. One reason is concern for the Shroud’s preservation—some observers noted visible deterioration after the 2015 display. Now, a decade later, with no public viewing planned for the 2025 Jubilee, the Church of Turin is offering a groundbreaking alternative: Avvolti.
What is Avvolti?
Literally meaning “Shrouded,” Avvolti is more than a name—it’s an invitation into mystery, memory, and meaning. From April 28 to May 5, 2025, in Piazza Castello, in the heart of Turin, the Diocese is hosting an immersive digital experience unlike any seen before. While the Shroud itself will not be on display, Avvolti bridges the gap with technology, spirituality, and culture, offering a new way to encounter one of Christianity’s most enigmatic relics.
Inside Avvolti’s tent, visitors will find a life-sized interactive table replicating the Shroud. This digital linen allows people to explore its features—such as the face, crown of thorns, and nail wounds—in unprecedented detail. Using a special lighting system and virtual technology developed by Reply, a tech company founded in Turin, the installation makes the Shroud’s image accessible in a tactile and visually rich format. The project is fully accessible, with features designed specifically for the visually impaired, including a tactile model and the use of the Atkinson Hyperlegible font.
A Week of Reflection, Celebration, and Encounter
Avvolti is not just a static display. Each day features a curated program of talks, exhibitions, and spiritual reflections, all free to attend with prior reservation via www.avvolti.org. The program invites the public into conversations on the Shroud’s history, its scientific and theological implications, and its relevance today. Themes range from sustainability and disability inclusion to art, youth, and saints connected to Turin and the Shroud.
Some highlights include:
- “Tutti Santi” sessions, exploring the lives of figures like Carlo Acutis, Pier Giorgio Frassati, and Giuseppe Allamano.
- Youth Day on May 3, culminating in a gathering with Cardinal Repole and a message from the Pope.
- The exhibition “Volti nel Volto” (“Faces in the Face”), curated by the Carlo Acutis Foundation, reflecting on the humanity and divinity revealed in the face of the Shroud.
- A special Mass on May 4 at the Cathedral for the Shroud’s liturgical feast day, led by Cardinal Roberto Repole and streamed worldwide.
A New Lens on an Ancient Mystery
Cardinal Repole, introducing Avvolti, emphasized that this Jubilee-year initiative offers more than a substitute for the exposition—it invites a renewed gaze. “The face and body on the Shroud are of someone defeated by history,” he said, “and yet, it is also a cast of the Resurrection. In the midst of death, we see the spark of hope.”
In that spirit, Avvolti aims to be more than an event—it’s a journey of hope. While the linen remains in its reliquary, its image continues to speak through light, touch, and presence. The initiative calls all—believers, seekers, and curious minds—to pause, reflect, and encounter the mystery together.
As Turin once again becomes a hub for spiritual exploration, Avvolti ensures that even without a physical exposition, the Shroud continues to draw hearts and minds to something deeper—something eternal.
