The fate of the bodies of the popes: between rites, tradition and personal will

The death of a pontiff is an event of historical and religious scope, followed by ancient and solemn rituals. But what happens to the bodies of the popes after death? Decisions on how to keep the remains do not follow a fixed rule: even if there are rooted traditions, on the other Personal will plays a decisive role. Some popes have chosen to be embalmed, others preferred the natural decomposition, while in more recent times the practice of tanatoprassi has spread, a sort of temporary embalming.

Pope Francis introduced important changes to the papal funeral rite In November 2024, oriented to simplicity and humility. He asked to be buried in a simple wooden coffin, avoiding the traditional system of the three coffin (cypress, lead and oak). In addition, he chose not to be exhibited on a raised platform in the Basilica of San Pietro and expressed the desire to be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.

After his death on 31 December 2022, the body DI Benedict XVI (1927-2022, Pope from 2005 to 2013) was subjected to Tanatoprassi, a technique that temporarily preserves the body for public exposure. This treatment was carried out by a team of doctors led by Dr. Andrea Fantozzi, president of the Italian association of Tanatoprassi (AIT). Tanatoprassi has allowed the faithful to pay homage to the Pope emeritus without visible alterations due to decomposition.

Also the body of John Paul II (1920-2005, Pope from 1978 to 2005) was subjected to tanatoprassi before the public exposure in the Basilica of San Pietro. The treatment preserved the body to allow the faithful to give him the last farewell. After the funeral, he was buried in the Vatican caves.

John Paul I (1912-1978, Pope from 26 August to 28 September 1978), who disappeared after only 33 days of pontificate, refused any form of embalming or artificial conservation. His body quickly deteriorated during funeral celebrations.

Also Paul VI (1897-1978, Pope from 1963 to 1978) He refused embalming, in line with his vision of sobriety. Its body quickly decomposed during the funeral vigil.

The body of John XXIIII (1881-1963, Pope from 1958 to 1963) – Pope Roncalli – was subjected to A special embalming, which proved to be very effective. When his body was exhumed in 2001 for the translation in the Basilica of San Pietro, he was extraordinarily preserved, to the point of being exposed in a crystal urn. This event was interpreted by many faithful as a sign of holiness.

The packaging of packaging to which it was subjected Pope Pius XII (1876-1958, Pope from 1939 to 1958) He failed sensationally. His body quickly deterioratedwith unpleasant swelling and smells during the exhibition. This event pushed the Vatican to review the conservation techniques used on the popes, to prevent similar episodes from repeating.

Also Pope Leo XIII (1810-1903, Pope from 1878 to 1903) was subjected to a rudimentary embalming, but this did not completely prevent decomposition of the body.

The choices of the popes on the conservation of their bodies often reflects their lifestyle and the message they want to leave to the faithful. The papal funeral rites follow ancient traditions, but have been repeatedly adapted according to the personality and the will of the pontiff: Each Pope has left his imprint also through the management of his body after death.