Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

A study published in July revealed that a new analysis of the Shroud of Turin, including the composition and a microscopic analysis of bloodstains, shows that the marks are consistent with the tortures endured by Christ as described in the Gospels.

The study, titled “New Insights on Blood Evidence from the Turin Shroud Consistent with Jesus Christ’s Tortures,” stated that the presence of creatinine particles with ferritin, which are often a by-product of muscle contractions, “confirms, at a microscopic level, the very heavy torture suffered by Jesus of the HST,” or Holy Shroud of Turin.

Furthermore, “numerous bloodstains scattered throughout the double body image of the HST show evidence that Jesus of the HST was tortured,” it stated.

“Bloodstained marks all over the body image which are consistent with pre-crucifixion flagellation, bloodstained marks on the head that are consistent with a ‘crown’ of thorns, blood marks on the hand and feet that are consistent with crucifixion and the bloodstain on the chest that evidences a post-mortem wound that corresponds with the post-mortem spear wound that Christ received as is described in the Bible,” the report said.

The new study was written by Giulio Fanti, associate professor of Mechanical and Thermal Measurements at the Department of Industrial Engineering of the University of Padua. According to his personal website, Fanti has studied and written about the famed burial cloth since 2004.

The funding for the study, according to Fanti's report, “was partially supported by a religious group that requested anonymity” and entrusted him with “the analysis of the so-called ‘Padre Pio handkerchief,’ a fabric on which two images considered miraculous are imprinted on the front and back of (a Shroud of Turin-like) Jesus Christ and Saint Pio of Pietrelcina, respectively.”

According to Fanti's report, a preliminary study conducted along with Christian Privitera revealed an "almost transparent substance" between threads stained with blood on the shroud.

“This substance, given its origin and in agreement with other scholars who have analyzed the Shroud of Oviedo, could be semi-transparent fluid produced by pulmonary edema,” referring to excessive fluid accumulation in lungs believed to have afflicted Jesus during crucifixion.

The Shroud of Oviedo is traditionally believed to be used to cover and clean Jesus' face after crucifixion.

Fanti’s study indicated further confirmation from Gospel accounts regarding tortures such as flagellation. The right eye showed signs it might have been affected either by scourge blows or thorns from a crown placed on Jesus' head.

The 14-foot-by-4-foot shroud features full-length photonegative images bearing wounds corresponding to Gospel descriptions. The Catholic Church has not officially ruled on its authenticity; scientific investigations remain divided.

A 1988 carbon dating test dated it to 12th century suggesting medieval forgery; however methodological flaws were cited including usage sample from Middle Ages repairs. Contradictory findings emerged in studies like Matteo Borrini's 2014 publication indicating inconsistent blood patterns for crucified persons.

Critics argue those results lacked accuracy compared past studies involving cadavers dying from hemopericardium—believed cause for Jesus' death on cross. Fanti questioned 1988 results citing neutron radiation skewing radiocarbon dating outcomes significantly.