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After centuries of scientific testing and debate, the Shroud of Turin remains a subject of intrigue for both skeptics and believers. Renowned author and researcher William West, an expert on the shroud's authenticity, recently addressed an audience at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Sydney. His talk was a precursor to the Australian Holy Shroud Conference scheduled for June.
West presented ten pieces of evidence from his research that highlight the shroud's historical and scientific significance. He shared his journey with the shroud, which began in Australia in the 1980s after watching "The Silent Witness," a documentary that expanded interest in the artifact.
Initially skeptical due to carbon dating results from the late 1980s, which suggested the shroud dated between 1260 and 1790, West aimed to prove it a fake. However, further research led him to reconsider this stance. In his book "The Shroud Rises, As the Carbon Date is Buried," published in 2024, he argues that newer tests indicate the shroud is 2,000 years old.
West highlighted forensic evidence showing intact blood clots on the shroud, stating: “The research has shown very clearly that those blood flows and clots are 100% accurate and intact.” He noted that forensic pathologists have been amazed by these details.
He referenced Pierre Barbet, a French surgeon who found no faults with the blood evidence on the shroud. Barbet's observations contributed to his belief in its authenticity.
Additional evidence includes signs of dirt from Jerusalem found on the cloth. According to West: “They found that dirt had a chemical fingerprint... around the knees and nose.”
West also discussed scientific attempts to reproduce the image on the linen fabric using ultraviolet light but noted limitations due to current technological constraints.
Christina Guzman originally published this story for Australian Catholic Weekly.
