Pope pauses in silent prayer before Shroud of Turin

Pope Francis prays in front of the Shroud of Turin during a two-day pastoral visit in Turin, Italy, June 21, 2015.

Pope Francis has paused in silent prayer before the Shroud of Turin on special display in the northern Italian city’s cathedral.

Pope Francis on Sunday was the latest of hundreds of thousands of people who have come this year to view the burial linen some believe covered the body of Jesus.

Pope Francis sat for several minutes before the shroud, contained in a special protective glass case. He lowered his head at times in silent reflection and occasionally gazed up at the 4.3-metre (14-foot) cloth. Then he took a few steps, placed his hand on the case, and walked away without comment.

The shroud’s display began April 19 and runs through June 24.

Skeptics say the cloth bearing the image of a crucified man is a medieval forgery.