Leonardo da Vinci 'faked Turin Shroud and used his own features as the face of Jesus'

For millions of believers, it is the most precious and powerful of all the Christian relics.

Kept under lock and key inside Turin Cathedral, the mysterious Holy Shroud has inspired generations of pilgrims and provoked bitter controversy.

But according to an astonishing new theory, the features imprinted on the Shroud of Turin are not those of Jesus - but belong to Leonardo da Vinci.

The medieval painter, scientist, biologist and sculptor has long been suspected of faking the image of Christ.

Now, a study of the facial features suggests the image is actually Leonardo's face, imprinted on the cloth using primitive photographic technology.

[link to www.dailymail.co.uk]