Pope Francis Pays Attention to 'Body Preservation Process' Before Funeral Mass

On the morning of the 21st (local time), Pope Francis passed away at 7:35 AM due to a stroke and heart failure, at the age of 88.

Interest is now focused on the upcoming funeral procedures for Pope Francis. Following his usual humble and simple lifestyle, it is highly likely that the funeral will be modest.

Regardless of the scale of the funeral, historically, the bodies of popes have often been preserved. In the past, the body was treated by removing organs and washing the skin with herbs and oils, but it is said that since Pope Pius X in 1914, most have adopted modern preservation methods.

The detailed process of 'body preservation' has varied from pope to pope, but the common aspect is the injection of a chemical mixture into the body.

Firstly, a mixture of neck vein dye, alcohol, water, and formaldehyde is injected. This mixture in the circulatory system pushes out blood that could cause decay and kills bacteria. It also binds the proteins within the cells, preventing enzymes from breaking down the body.

Pope Francis's body will undergo the same procedure and will be moved to St. Peter's Basilica on the 23rd for placement, with a public viewing and funeral mass scheduled for the following three days.

Afterward, following his wishes, the pope will be buried in the crypt of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

Meanwhile, with the passing of Pope Francis, the worldwide Catholic Church has entered a 'Sede Vacante' state. This term refers to the period when the papacy is vacant due to the pope's death or resignation.

On the 22nd, the cardinals are scheduled to hold a meeting at St. Peter's Basilica to discuss the details of the pope’s funeral.

On the same day, the Archdiocese of Seoul announced that a mourning space for Pope Francis will be set up in the underground chapel of Myeongdong Cathedral, allowing public mourners from 3 PM.

Image sources: In 2013, Pope Francis prays in front of a statue of the Virgin Mary at the Spanish Steps in Rome, Italy. / gettyimageskorea, 2023, Pope Benedict XVI laid to rest in St. Peter's Basilica, with the funeral mass officiated by Pope Francis at the time. / gettyimageskorea, Last month on the 23rd, Pope Francis spoke with crowds after being hospitalized for nearly a month due to a respiratory infection and double pneumonia. / gettyimageskorea