Not that this will settle anything, but Italian researchers claim that the Shroud of Turin is a medieval fake:
Scientists have reproduced the shroud using materials and methods that were available in the 14th century, the Italian Committee for Checking Claims on the Paranormal said.
The group said in a statement this is further evidence the shroud is a medieval forgery. In 1988, scientists used radiocarbon dating to determine it was made in the 13th or 14th century.
For what it's worth the Vatican has never claimed the Shroud is genuine. I think the more interesting story is its connection to the Templars, or maybe some other shadowy groups running around Europe at the time. In a related story, some conservative activists want to rewrite the Bible to fit their political philosophy. Yeah, that worked out so well for the liberal denominations, right?
