Rome, Italy - Scientists have reproduced the Shroud of Turin -- revered as the cloth that covered Jesus in the tomb -- and say the experiment proves the relic was man-made, a group of Italian debunkers claimed Monday.
The shroud bears the figure of a crucified man, complete with blood seeping out of nailed hands and feet, and believers say Christ's image was recorded on the linen fibers at the time of his resurrection.
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 research was funded by the debunking group and by an Italian organization of atheists and agnostics.
Owned by the Vatican, the shroud is kept locked in a special protective chamber in Turin's cathedral and is rarely shown.
The Catholic Church makes no claims about the relic's authenticity, but says it is a powerful symbol of Christ's suffering.