With the support of the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the international exhibition “The Shroud of Turin” opened its doors in the capital of Kazakhstan, marking a milestone in interreligious dialogue in Central Asia.
An exact replica of one of the most venerated objects in Christianity, the Shroud of Turin, is being displayed for the first time in Kazakhstan. The official inauguration of the international exhibition “the Shroud of Turin” took place on 1 August at the Palace of Peace and Reconciliation in Astana, with the participation of state authorities, religious leaders, and international representatives.
The exhibition is part of a joint initiative led by the Catholic Church and the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan, in collaboration with the pontifical foundation Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), the Order of Malta, and the International Center for Interreligious and Interconfessional Dialogue.
An interreligious dialogue gathering in Astana
The exhibition is open to all—believers and non-believers alike—and seeks to promote mutual understanding among religions and cultures. In a Muslim-majority country like Kazakhstan, where diverse religious confessions coexist, this event holds special significance by fostering respect and peace among communities. Alongside the replica, scientific data, historical research, and audiovisual elements enrich the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the event.
The exhibition brought together prominent state representatives and religious leaders, including Senate President Maulen Ashimbayev, Minister of Culture Aida Balaeva, Apostolic Nuncio Mons. George Panamthundil, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan (Orthodox Church), and Archbishop Tomasz Peta (Roman Catholic Church). ACN was represented by its Executive President Regina Lynch and Head of Section for Kazakhstan, Peter Humeniuk.
Highlighting the exhibition’s symbolic value, Minister Aida Balaeva stated: “This exhibition has become a symbol of dialogue and mutual respect between cultures and religions, values that Kazakhstan firmly upholds”. Supporting this sentiment, Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Panamthundil, expressed gratitude for the country’s openness: “It is no coincidence that this exhibition is held here. Kazakhstan is an example of interreligious coexistence and open dialogue.”
A relic between history and mystery
Metropolitan Alexander emphasized that “the Shroud of Turin, also known as the ‘Fifth Gospel,’ remains a source of faith and study for millions worldwide”.
The exhibition includes a faithful replica of the linen cloth measuring 4.41 by 1.13 metres, which shows the image of a man bearing wounds consistent with the Gospel descriptions of Christ’s Passion—scourging, crucifixion, and a side wound. Despite decades of scientific scrutiny, the origin of the image continues to be a mystery.
Regina Lynch, Executive President of ACN, stated during the exhibition opening:
“The Shroud of Turin is one of the most deeply studied objects in the Christian world. Being able to help bring it to Kazakhstan is an honour and an opportunity for ACN to strengthen interreligious dialogue.”
Simultaneously, the “Sacred Books” exhibition was inaugurated, presenting a valuable collection of manuscripts and historical copies of the Quran, Torah, Talmud, Gospels and Buddhist texts. Noteworthy pieces include a 7th-century copy of the Quran and the personal Quran of historical Kazakh leader Kenesary Khan.
Open to all until September 25, 2025, these exhibitions form part of preparations for the 8th Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions, reinforcing Kazakhstan’s position as a platform for dialogue and reconciliation. The exhibition will later travel through Kazakhstan, visiting, among others, Karaganda, Petropavlovsk and Almaty.
With this initiative, ACN continues to promote faith, foster interconfessional and interreligious understanding, and build bridges across cultures and borders.
By Maria Lozano.
