To ensure that the faithful can view and pay their respects, Pope Francis has undergone a body preservation technique known as thanatopraxy.
His body is kept in a simple zinc coffin placed inside another wooden one, which will remain open during the viewing process.
Before his passing, the Holy Father specifically requested that his body not be placed on a katafalque — the traditional casket typically made of cypress, oak, and lead.
Thanatopraxy is not mummification. It is a modern preservation method used for the public display of deceased bodies.
This practice, legalized in Italy under a 2022 law, is considered an advanced and less invasive form of embalming. It uses gentler substances that better respect the integrity of the human body.
The procedure includes a hygienic treatment that slows the decomposition process, allowing the deceased to maintain a natural appearance for several days.
It involves injecting preservative fluids into the arterial system, thoroughly disinfecting the body, applying light makeup, and carefully positioning the hands and facial features to ensure a peaceful presentation.
In the past, Popes underwent traditional embalming, a more aggressive technique involving removal of internal organs and injection of strong substances like formalin and alcohol.
