Face to face with Christ in Late medieval Rome : the Veil of Veronica in papal liturgy and ceremony

Whereas the other most important contact relics contained no image, the Veronica, with Christ's face held to be directly imprinted on it, thus showed the face of God Himself. As a result, the faithful could receive indulgences by viewing the venerated veil, which, in turn, drew crowds of pilgrims from across Europe, especially during Holy Years. According to originally rather arcane sources (i.e., diaries and treatises of the papal masters of ceremony), the veil was used not only during high holy days such as Christmas, Easter, Ascension Day, and during Lent, but it also had a special significance in relation to Saint Peter and the Pope. So, on some occasions, it was more a part of the papal ceremonial than part of the Roman liturgy. Sometimes it was even used to keep people safe when a large crowd needed to be prevented from walking the wrong way. Therefore, the Veronica in late medieval Rome requires new consideration with regard to both liturgy and ceremony.