Does the shroud’s faint bloodstained image really show a crucified Christ?

Opinions are divided on the Shroud of Turin: for some, it is the burial cloth of Jesus of Nazareth, for others, a medieval forgery.

"The shroud is like a black hole. If you get too close to it, you get sucked in and can't get away," says chemist Luigi Garlaschelli, "because there are so many unanswered questions. One lifetime is not enough." This, despite the scientist's own conclusion the Shroud of Turin is a brilliant forgery. Because even he isn't entirely sure. Scientists from different camps provide evidence that the Shroud of Turin could be authentic. But who is right?

"One lifetime is not enough" - a comment that private researcher Joe Marino from Ohio can also relate to. A paperback about the Shroud of Turin led him to religion many years ago. He studied theology and entered a monastery. "I feel called to study the shroud and spread the word about it," says Marino, who has now written several books and over a hundred articles on the subject. He is convinced "that it is the authentic shroud of Jesus."

The documentary presents the story in the style of a criminal investigation. Starting from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, it takes viewers to the underworld of Istanbul, where, according to legend, the shroud was hidden for a long time. 

The shroud was first exhibited in Lirey, France, in 1354 AD, as historical records show. And for a good 300 years, it has been kept in Turin, in a chapel built especially for this purpose. Here, it is revered by some, viewed critically by others.
 

Broadcasting Hours: 

DW English

Part 1 

WED 17.12.2025 – 01:15 UTC
WED 17.12.2025 – 04:15 UTC
THU 18.12.2025 – 09:15 UTC
THU 18.12.2025 – 16:15 UTC
THU 18.12.2025 – 21:15 UTC
FRI 19.12.2025 – 12:15 UTC
SAT 20.12.2025 – 02:15 UTC
SUN 21.12.2025 – 08:15 UTC

Part 2 

WED 24.12.2025 – 01:15 UTC
WED 24.12.2025 – 04:15 UTC
THU 25.12.2025 – 09:15 UTC
THU 25.12.2025 – 16:15 UTC
THU 25.12.2025 – 21:15 UTC
FRI 26.12.2025 – 12:15 UTC
SAT 27.12.2025 – 02:15 UTC
SUN 28.12.2025 – 08:15 UTC

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