How Pope Francis' body is being preserved for his last farewell at St Peter's Basilica
ADVERTISEMENT
From 11 am on Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of faithful Catholics will be able to bid farewell to Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica,
where the pontiff's body will be on display until Friday.
For many devout Catholics, being able to see the pope after his death is not just a ritual but a gesture charged with spirituality and gratitude.
To ensure they can see him in person, Pope Francis has undergone the preservation technique of tanatopraxy to allow public veneration without resorting to more invasive methods.
His body is displayed in a simple zinc coffin inside a wooden one, which will remain open during the ostension.
Before his death, Pope Francis insisted that his body not be displayed on a catafalque, nor inside the usual triple coffin of cypress, lead and oak.
Cardinals pay their respects to late Pope Francis inside St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, 23 April, 2025
AP Photo
What is thanatopraxis?
Thanatopraxis is not mummification, but a body preservation technique used mainly for the public display of corpses.
The practice, regulated in Italy under a law passed in 2022, is considered a modern evolution of embalming, and is distinguished by the use of less invasive substances that are more respectful of the human body.
It consists of a hygienic preservation treatment that slows down decomposition processes, allowing the natural appearance of the deceased to be maintained for several days.
The procedure involves the injection of preservative fluids into the arterial system, the complete disinfection of the body, corrective makeup, and the arrangement of the hands and face to ensure a serene and composed appearance.
Related
Tens of thousands gather as Pope Francis lies in state at St Peter's Basilica
Death of Pope Francis: The pontiff and Emmanuel Macron, a complex relationship
A centuries-old tradition
The use of thanatopraxis has a long history in the Catholic Church. For centuries, popes' bodies have been preserved for spiritual reasons and the practical demands of public veneration, as well as the sheer duration of funeral ceremonies.
In the past, popes were subject to embalming, a more invasive technique involving the removal of internal organs and the injection of substances such as formalin and alcohol.
Over time, however, more attention was paid to the dignity of the human body, prompting the church to adopt more discreet and respectful methods.
Thanks to tanatopraxis, Pope Francis' body will be able to remain on view for several days, allowing for collective and solemn homage until his funeral on Saturday.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LeMonde
27-05-2025
- LeMonde
French lawmakers approve assisted dying bill
France's Assemblée Nationale adopted a bill on Tuesday, May 27, to allow adults with incurable illness to take lethal medication, the initial step in a lengthy process that could grant patients medical assistance to end their lives in clearly defined circumstances. The bill received 305 votes in favor and 199 against, after all parties in parliament allowed their lawmakers a free vote on the issue. It will now be sent to the Sénat for further debate. A definitive vote on the measure could take months to be scheduled. In parallel, another bill on palliative care, meant to reinforce measures to relieve pain and preserve patients' dignity, was also adopted on Tuesday, unanimously. "I'm thinking of all the patients and their loved ones. There are days, you know, you will never forget. I will never forget this day," said Olivier Falorni, the general rapporteur of the bill, amid applause from fellow lawmakers. "The Assemblée Nationale's vote on legislation concerning the development of palliative care and assisted dying is an important step," President Emmanuel Macron said, on X, after the vote, adding: "With respect for sensitivities, doubts and hopes, the path of fraternity that I hoped for is gradually opening up." Macron has insisted that any authorisation to choose death should be limited to people with incurable illnesses and intense physical or psychological pain. Strict conditions The proposed measure on lethal medication defines assisted dying as allowing people to use it under certain conditions, so that they may take it themselves. Only those whose physical condition doesn't allow them to do it alone would be able to get help from a doctor or a nurse. To benefit, patients would need to be over 18 and be French citizens or live in France. A team of medical professionals would also need to confirm that the patient has a grave and incurable illness "at an advanced or terminal stage," is suffering from intolerable and untreatable pain and is seeking lethal medication of their own free will. Patients with severe psychiatric conditions and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, wouldn't be eligible. The person would initiate the request for lethal medication and confirm the request, after a period of reflection. If approved, a doctor would deliver a prescription for the lethal medication, which could be taken at home or at a nursing home or a health care facility. Current French legislation allows passive euthanasia, such as withholding artificial life support, and since 2016 doctors have also been authorised to induce "deep and continuous sedation" for terminally ill patients in pain. Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said, over the weekend before the vote, that the "French model" of assisted dying would be "strict and closely supervised." Supported by most French citizens A 2023 report indicated that most French citizens back legalizing end-of-life options, and opinion polls show growing support over the past 20 years. Initial discussions in parliament last year were abruptly interrupted by President Emmanuel Macron's decision to dissolve the Assemblée Nationale, plunging France into a months-long political crisis. Earlier this month, Macron suggested he could ask French voters to approve the measure via referendum if parliament discussions get off track. Macron said last year that France needed legislation because "there are situations you cannot humanely accept." The goal was "to reconcile the autonomy of the individual with the solidarity of the nation," he said. Stiff opposition The bill has faced stiff opposition from religious leaders in a country with a longstanding Catholic tradition, as well as many health workers. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, a devout Catholic, said Tuesday that he would abstain if he were a deputy because of lingering "questions." French religious leaders this month issued a joint statement to denounce the bill, warning about the "dangers" of an "anthropological rupture." The Conference of Religious Leaders in France (CRCF), which represents the Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist communities, said the proposed measures risk exerting pressure on older people and those with illnesses or disabilities. On the other hand, the Association for the Right to Die with Dignity (ADMD) has called on French lawmakers "to respect the French who want the same right that our Dutch, Belgian, Luxembourgian, Swiss, Spanish, Portuguese neighbors have." 'End of life' or 'aid in dying' The bill has been widely referred to as focusing on "end of life" or "aid in dying" in the French debate, rather than "assisted suicide" or "euthanasia." Medically assisted suicide involves patients taking, of their own free will, a lethal drink or medication that has been prescribed by a doctor to those who meet certain criteria. Euthanasia involves doctors or other health practitioners giving patients who meet certain criteria a lethal injection at their own request. If approved, France would join a small group of European countries that give the right to aid in dying, including Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. Until now, French patients wishing to end their lives have had to travel abroad, including to neighbouring Belgium. Vautrin said she hopes that the Sénat will begin examining the issue this year, and submit its suggested changes back to the Assemblée Nationale in early 2026. "I want this bill to get a final vote by 2027 which is still possible," said the minister.
France 24
27-05-2025
- France 24
French deputies set for first vote on assisted dying bill
The initiative has the backing of President Emmanuel Macron, who has insisted, however, that any authorisation to choose death should be limited to people with incurable illnesses and intense physical or psychological pain. A favourable decision in Tuesday's first National Assembly reading would be an initial stage for the draft law, which will then go back and forth between the lower house and the Senate for modifications acceptable to both houses. Macron could, however, decide in the meantime to put the deeply divisive topic to a vote by referendum. If the law is approved, France would join a small group of European countries with legislation covering the right to aid in dying that includes Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. A separate bill, submitted at the same time and concerned with end-of-life medical assistance including palliative care, is expected to pass Tuesday without significant opposition. But the second bill, specifically concerned with the right to assisted dying and brought by Macron ally Olivier Falorni, is likely to spark more resistance. All parliamentary factions have allowed their members to vote according to their personal convictions and free of party constraints. Leftist and centrist parties are expected to vote in favour of the bill, with conservatives and far-right deputies seen broadly hostile. The bill is widely referred to as focusing on "end of life" or "aid in dying" in the French debate, rather than "assisted suicide" or "euthanasia". 'Expressed such a wish' Falorni's bill would allow medical staff to help "a person gain access to a lethal substance when they have expressed such a wish". The patient would use such a substance without aid or have it administered by a medically qualified person "if they are in no condition physically to do so themselves". Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said at the weekend that the "French model" of assisted dying would be "strict and closely supervised". Macron said last year that France needed the law because "there are situations you cannot humanely accept". The goal was "to reconcile the autonomy of the individual with the solidarity of the nation", he said. The bill is facing stiff opposition from religious leaders in a country with a longstanding Catholic tradition, as well as many health workers. Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, a devout Catholic, said Tuesday that he would abstain if he were a deputy because of lingering "questions" but added he was confident that the National Assembly would provide answers. The draft law would allow recourse to assisted dying only in an "advanced" stage of illness, which it defines as "entering an irreversible process characterised by a worsening health condition of the sick person that affects the quality of their lives". Until now, French patients in pain wishing to end their lives have had to travel abroad, including to neighbouring Belgium. Current French legislation allows passive euthanasia, such as withholding artificial life support, and since 2016 doctors have also been authorised to induce "deep and continuous sedation" for terminally ill patients in pain. But active euthanasia, whereby doctors administer lethal doses of drugs to patients, remains illegal. Vautrin said she hopes that the Senate will begin examining the issue before the end of this year, and submit its suggested changes back to the National Assembly in early 2026. "I want this bill to get a final vote by 2027 which is still possible," said the minister. France holds presidential elections in 2027 in which Macron cannot stand after serving two consecutive terms.
Local France
27-05-2025
- Local France
French deputies set for first vote on assisted dying bill
The initiative has the backing of President Emmanuel Macron, who has insisted, however, that any authorisation to choose death should be limited to people with incurable illnesses and intense physical or psychological pain. A favourable decision in Tuesday's first National Assembly reading would be an initial stage for the draft law, which will then go the Senate for any modifications and approval before returning to the lower house for a final vote, which is expected sometime next year. Macron could, however, decide in the meantime to put the topic to a vote by referendum. If the law is approved, France would join a small group of European countries with right-to-die legislation that includes Germany, Spain, Austria and Switzerland. READ ALSO How does France's assisted dying bill compare to the rest of Europe? The first part of the bill, concerned with end-of-life medical assistance including palliative care, is expected to pass on Tuesday without significant opposition. Advertisement But the second part, specifically concerned with "the right to die" and brought by Macron ally Olivier Falorni, is likely to spark more resistance. All parliamentary factions have allowed their members to vote according to their personal convictions and free of party constraints. Leftist and centrist parties are expected to vote in favour of the assisted-dying part of the bill, with conservatives and far-right deputies seen as broadly hostile. The bill is widely referred to as focusing on aide à mourir (assisted dying or help to die) in the French debate, rather than "assisted suicide" or "euthanasia". Falorni's bill would allow medical staff to help "a person gain access to a lethal substance when they have expressed such a wish". The patient would use such a substance without aid or have it administered by somebody else "if they are in no condition physically to do so themselves". Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said at the weekend that the "French model" of assisted dying would be "strict and closely supervised". Macron said last year that France needed the law because "there are situations you cannot humanely accept". The goal was "to reconcile the autonomy of the individual with the solidarity of the nation", he said. The bill is facing stiff opposition from religious leaders in a country with a longstanding Catholic tradition, as well as many health workers. Advertisement Prime Minister François Bayrou, a devout Catholic, said on Tuesday that he would abstain if he were a deputy because of lingering "questions" but added he was confident that the National Assembly would provide answers. The draft law would allow recourse to assisted dying only in an "advanced" stage of illness, which it defines as "entering an irreversible process characterised by a worsening health condition of the sick person that affects the quality of their lives". Until now, French patients in pain wishing to end their lives have had to travel abroad, including to neighbouring Belgium. A 2005 law legalised passive euthanasia, such as withholding artificial life support, and doctors are allowed to induce "deep and continuous sedation" for terminally ill patients in pain. But active euthanasia, whereby doctors administer lethal doses of drugs to patients, remains illegal. Vautrin said she hopes for a definitive vote on the issue in early 2026.
