In an extraordinary event of spiritual significance, St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City will unveil one of its most sacred relics—Veronica’s Veil—on Sunday, April 6. This unveiling will take place on the fifth Sunday of Lent, a period marked by deep reflection, penance, and preparation for the Holy Week. The revered relic, believed by tradition to bear the miraculous image of Christ’s face, is rarely shown to the public, making this occasion especially momentous for the Catholic faithful worldwide.
The ceremony is set to begin at 6 p.m. local time inside the majestic confines of St. Peter’s Basilica. Worshippers will process through the basilica, entering through the symbolic Holy Door, a powerful representation of mercy and spiritual renewal. As solemn litanies echo through the grand naves, the veil—also known as the Holy Face—will be exhibited from the historic Veronica loggia. This moment is expected to draw thousands in silent reverence, uniting believers in shared devotion to the passion of Christ.
Following the exposition of the relic, a Holy Mass will be celebrated by Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, who serves as the archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica. He will be joined by canons of the basilica in this liturgical celebration, offering prayers and reflections focused on the redemptive suffering of Christ and the virtue of compassion exemplified by Saint Veronica.
According to Christian tradition, Veronica encountered Jesus on His path to Calvary and, moved by compassion, wiped the sweat and blood from His face with her veil. In a miraculous turn, His holy image remained imprinted on the cloth. Though not mentioned in the canonical Gospels, this act of mercy has been immortalized in the sixth station of the Way of the Cross and deeply embedded in centuries of Christian spirituality.
The veil is regarded as a powerful symbol of empathy, courage, and divine imprint—the literal face of God captured through a moment of human kindness. Its rare public display reminds believers of Christ’s suffering and invites reflection on how small acts of love can reveal the face of God in our world.
As Lent draws closer to its climax during Holy Week, the exhibition of Veronica’s Veil offers a unique opportunity for pilgrims and local faithful to reconnect with the core mysteries of the Christian faith—sacrifice, love, and redemption. For many, gazing upon the Holy Face is not just a matter of seeing, but of encountering the living presence of Christ in a deeply intimate and transformative way.