ADVERTISEMENTFrom 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, hundreds of thousands of faithful Catholics will be able to say goodbye to Pope Francis in the Saint-Pierre Basilica, where the pontiff’s body will be exposed until Friday.
For many devoted Catholics, being able to see the pope after his death is not only a ritual but a gesture loaded with spirituality and gratitude.
To ensure that they can see him in person, Francis has undergone the technique of preserving tannatopraxia to allow public veneration without resorting to more invasive methods.
His body is displayed in a simple zinc coffin inside a wooden wood, which will remain open during the ostension.
Before his death, Francis insisted that his body was not displayed on a catafalque, nor inside the usual triple coffin of Cypress, lead and oak.
What is Thanatopraxis?
Thanatopraxia is not a mummification, but a body for bodily preservation used mainly for the public display of corpses.
The practice, regulated in Italy under a law adopted in 2022, is considered as a modern evolution of embalming and is distinguished by the use of less invasive substances which are more respectful of the human body.
It consists of a hygienic preservation treatment which slows down the decomposition processes, making it possible to maintain the natural appearance of the deceased for several days.
The procedure implies the injection of conservative liquids into the arterial system, the complete disinfection of the body, the corrective composition and the arrangement of the hands and the face to ensure a serene and composed appearance.
A secular tradition
The use of thanatopraxis has a long history in the Catholic Church. For centuries, the bodies of the popes have been preserved for spiritual reasons and for the practical requirements of public veneration, as well as the duration of funeral ceremonies.
In the past, the popes were subject to embalming, a more invasive technique involving the elimination of internal organs and the injection of substances such as formalin and alcohol.
Over time, however, greater attention has been paid to the dignity of the human body, which prompted the Church to adopt more discreet and respectful methods.
Thanks to Tanatopraxia, the body of Pope Francis will be able to stay in sight for several days, allowing a collective and solemn tribute to its funeral on Saturday, April 26.
