The Blood Evidence: Science, Faith, and the Shroud of Turin

The paschal mystery of Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection continues to be unveiled by those who study the image on the Shroud of Turin. Read on to see the summary of recent scientific research on this holy relic.

This article was originally published in our November 2024 Kansas Monks newsletter. Read the whole newsletter at www.kansasmonks.org/newsletter/november2024

The Shroud of Turin, an ancient linen cloth believed by many to be the burial shroud of Jesus Christ, holds a special place in the hearts of Catholics and other Christians worldwide. For centuries, this relic has been venerated as the very cloth in which the body of Jesus was laid to rest after his crucifixion. While skeptics point to gaps in its historical record—the Shroud’s known custody only dates to the 14th century—the findings of scientists, doctors, and historians increasingly suggest a different story. Recent research continues to affirm what believers have long held: this is the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God, who rose from the dead nearly 2,000 years ago.

One of the latest developments comes from Giulio Fanti, a professor at the University of Padua, who recently published groundbreaking research focused on analyzing the blood particles embedded in the Shroud. Fanti’s findings add to a growing body of evidence that suggests the Shroud is much more than an ancient relic—it may be a direct witness to Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection.

Fanti’s study reveals a detailed analysis of the blood particles found on the Shroud, which provide key insights into the events surrounding Jesus’s crucifixion, burial, and the mysterious formation of his image on the cloth. One of the most significant findings is that the blood particles on the Shroud vary in size, shape, and distribution, characteristics that correspond to different moments of Christ’s suffering, death, and burial.

The research identifies three distinct types of blood. The first type of blood is described as post-mortem blood, shed after Jesus’ death, likely during his removal from the cross and preparation for burial. This blood has undergone significant shrinkage, likely due to a combination of dehydration and exposure to burial ointments such as aloe and myrrh. What’s especially unique about this blood is that it shows signs of fluorescence under ultraviolet light, something not typically seen in ancient blood. This characteristic could be due to the breakdown of red blood cells and the formation of bilirubin, a product often released in cases of extreme physical trauma like that suffered during flogging.

The second type of blood, on the other hand, is pre-mortem blood, likely shed during Jesus’ crucifixion. This blood is darker and has coagulated, a sign that it was shed while Jesus was still alive. Unlike the first type, the second type of blood does not show fluorescence, and it retains more of its original crusted form.

The third type of blood is less well understood, but it consists of larger red blood cells and might represent blood that was shed earlier in Jesus’s suffering, before his body underwent the extreme dehydration that affected the other blood types.

In addition to these blood findings, Fanti’s research has uncovered patterns in the bloodstains that reveal Jesus’s body was likely moved several times after his death. The stains show different flow directions, possibly caused by movement during his removal from the cross and his placement in the tomb. Moreover, Fanti notes the presence of pulmonary fluid, which likely resulted from pulmonary edema—an excess buildup of fluid in the lungs. This is consistent with the severe physical trauma and respiratory distress that Jesus would have experienced, the fluid being dispersed in the wounding of his side.

Perhaps the most mysterious aspect of the Shroud is its image of Christ’s body. For decades, researchers have puzzled over how this haunting imprint was formed. Fanti’s findings lend support to the theory that the image may have been created by a burst of energy or light at the moment of Christ’s resurrection, much like a divine “photographic negative” imprinted onto the cloth. The idea of an intense energy release is also supported by the Beta-activity detected in the blood particles, a form of radiation that may have played a role in the Shroud’s image formation.

Beyond its scientific intrigue, the Shroud has long captivated the faithful, especially with the evocative image of Christ’s face in the repose of death. Gazing upon this image, many have wondered what Jesus must have looked like in life, inspiring centuries of religious art and devotion. In modern times, this fascination has only grown, as technology offers new ways to explore the Shroud’s mysteries.

In fact, around the same time as Fanti’s research was published, artists using AI technology created a lifelike “photograph” of Jesus based on the Shroud’s image (pictured below). The result is a striking visualization of Christ’s face, brought to life through digital artistry, offering yet another layer of connection for believers contemplating the reality of the passion and resurrection.

Fanti, G. (2024). New Insights on Blood Evidence from the Turin Shroud Consistent with Jesus Christ’s Tortures. Archives of Hematology Case Reports and Reviews. 9. 001-015. 10.17352/ahcrr.000044.

While the Shroud of Turin continues to be studied for its scientific value, for Christians, the message is clear: this is not merely a relic of an ancient crucifixion victim, nor simply the burial cloth of the man Jesus of Nazareth—it is a witness to the glory of the risen Lord. The Shroud stands as a powerful reminder of Christ’s victory over death and a sign of God’s promise to all believers. If this cloth indeed wrapped the body of the crucified and risen Lord, it serves as a profound symbol of the future resurrection promised to all who believe in him: “For if we have been united with him in death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his” (Romans 6:5).

As the research into the Shroud continues, it serves as both a scientific puzzle and a profound religious symbol. For Christians, it affirms the truth that Jesus Christ not only suffered and died for humanity but also rose in glory, offering the hope of eternal life. The Shroud of Turin, marked by the blood of the Savior, remains a powerful witness to the reality of the resurrection and a reminder of God’s promise to raise us up on the last day.