Shroud of Turin Re-Opens For Public Viewing in Italy

The town of Turin in Italy has announced that it will start showing the famous Shoud of Turin to millions of visitors in the coming months.

The thin linen cloth is believed by some in the Christian faith to have been the cloth Jesus Christ was covered with following his crucifixion.

Turin Archbishop Cesare Nosiglia recently re-opened the exhibit that allows millions of visitors to view the famed 14-foot cloth. The exhibition opened on Sunday and will run through June 24.

Archbishop Nosiglia told the Associated Press that many of those visiting the shroud will be making the journey for the second time. The shroud was previously on display in 2010, when it was visited by Pope Benedict XVI.

"That means there is a fundamental need in people's hearts to renew this incredible experience that they had the first time they saw it," Nosiglia told the Associated Press over the weekend.

Those who have already lined up to see the famous shroud have expressed their excitement at viewing "something special."

 "Whether you believe or don't believe, there is no doubt it is something special," an Italian tourist waiting to see the shroud on Sunday told the AFP.

Those who wait in line to view the shroud have also noted that faith plays an important role in their appreciation for the linen.

"Yes, I believe in it. I believe in it with my heart," Marco Mazzoni, who will travel to see the shroud in the coming weeks, told The Guardian. "It signifies the suffering of Christ and the sacrifice he made for everyone."