Originally published at Churchpop
In Vatican City, on the Fifth Sunday of Lent, an extraordinary liturgy takes place at St. Peter’s Basilica: the display of a revered relic known as “Veronica’s Veil.”
This relic is deeply tied to the Stations of the Cross, depicting a moment when a woman named Veronica wipes Jesus’ face with a cloth as he carries the cross to Calvary.
According to tradition, this cloth bears the true image of Christ’s face and has been safeguarded by the Vatican Basilica.Saint Veronica’s Veil on Passion Sunday 2025 / Daniel Ibañez, EWTN News
The woman who wiped Jesus’ face is commonly referred to as Veronica. Her name derives from the Latin “vera icona,” meaning “true icon.” It is believed that Christ’s image was imprinted on Veronica’s veil during his journey to the cross.
The cloth itself is also named Veronica.
Alongside a true relic of the Cross and the relic of the lance of Saint Longinus, Veronica’s Veil holds a place of great importance within Saint Peter’s Basilica.
Historical Origins of Veronica’s Veil
While the exact origins of the relic are uncertain, historical records trace its presence back to at least the 14th century. Even earlier, in the eighth century, there were references to a
