Pope Francis: Thanatopraxy secures final honors in St. Peter's Basilica!

Pope Francis: Thanatopraxy secures final honors in St. Peter's Basilica!

On April 24, 2025, thousands of believers in St. Peter's Basilica said goodbye to Pope Francis, whose body was preserved using the modern process of thanatopraxy. This technique, which counteracts the decomposition of the body, enables aesthetically and hygienically perfect laying in an open coffin. According to reports, the decomposition process, which normally begins 24 hours after death, was stopped by thanatopraxy to allow the faithful to say goodbye to him before the funeral next Saturday. The body is presented in a simple, unlocked zinc coffin set in wood, respecting the pope's wish not to be displayed in a traditional triple coffin.

Thanatopraxy, a technique for preserving corpses not to be confused with mummification, is regulated by a law in force in Italy since 2022. Blood is replaced by a preservative fluid, typically formalin-based. The aim is to restore and preserve the aesthetic appearance of the deceased, which in this case was carried out strictly according to protocols and regulations. Before modern thanatopraxy, invasive embalming was a common practice, but it carried risks. This is shown by the case of Pius

Historical perspective of the mortuary examination

The use of thanatopraxy has a long tradition in the Catholic Church. Popes were often preserved to allow believers a final veneration. Historically often treated with invasive methods, practices have changed over time. After the death of Pius XII. The church received numerous teachings about the proper treatment of the dead. In the future, care was taken to ensure that the conservation measures were only carried out by qualified specialists.

Pope Francis, who died on April 23, 2025, had a great influence on the Catholic Church and society during his time in office. His pontifical behavior and his approach to contemporary issues were intensively discussed for years. The mourning for his death is shaped by the recently decided plans for his funeral on April 26, 2025.

Press coverage and reactions

The reporting on the death of Pope Francis is being followed by many media outlets. According to reports, there was a lot of speculation about his health until the official announcement. Before his demise, his servants suffered from premature reports of death resulting from confusion about his condition. Numerous telegrams of condolence and responses from global religious leaders are expected in the near future.

The detailed preparation of the thanatopraxy and the manner in which the corpse is presented show the striving for a respectful farewell. The condition of the body and the handling of its presentation are of fundamental importance for the Vatican, both to respect the dignity of the deceased and to enable the faithful to have a dignified farewell. The history of the popes and the use of preservation techniques remain a topic of great importance for the Catholic community.