MILAN (CWNews.com) - New scientific tests have confirmed a connection between the Shroud of Turin and the region including Israel and Jordan, according to an expert committee on Monday.

    The shroud is believed by many to be the burial cloth of Christ, holding a mysterious image of a crucified man. Although carbon dating tests claimed the cloth dated from the 13th or 14th century, critics said the tests were contaminated by burn marks from a medieval fire that damaged the shroud.

    "Regarding the problem of dating and origin, new data ... confirm the presence of botanical traces which are significant as geographical indicators pointing to the area of Israel or Jordan," the Shroud Millennium Committee said following a four-day meeting earlier this month.

    The committee said further research was needed to ascertain the history of the Shroud before it reached Turin. The linen cloth will be on display for pilgrims in August as part of Jubilee Year celebrations.