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How is Pope Francis' body being preserved for the final farewell in St. Peter's Basilica?

Politiko 2025-04-23 14:53:44

How is Pope Francis' body being preserved for the final farewell in St.

For many devout Catholics, the opportunity to see the pope after his death is not simply a ritual, but a gesture laden with spirituality and gratitude.

To ensure they can see him in person, Francis has undergone the preservation technique of thanatopraxy to allow for public veneration without using more invasive methods.

His body is displayed in a simple zinc coffin inside a wooden coffin, which will remain open during the exhibition.

Before his death, Francis insisted that his body not be displayed in a catafalque, nor within the usual triple coffin of cypress, lead, and oak.

What is thanatopraxia?

Thanatopraxis is not mummification, but a body preservation technique used primarily for the public display of corpses.

The practice, regulated in Italy by a law passed in 2022, is considered a modern evolution of embalming and is distinguished by the use of less invasive substances that are more respectful of the human body.

It consists of a hygienic preservation treatment that slows down the decomposition processes, allowing the natural appearance of the deceased to be preserved for several days.

The procedure involves the injection of preservative fluids into the arterial system, complete disinfection of the body, corrective makeup, and adjustment of the hands and face to ensure a smooth and relaxed appearance.

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