How the papal funerals evolved, from “Pope who exploded” to the Vatican's secret funeral product, Fluytan

The passing of a pope is accompanied not only by solemn ceremonies, but also by a whole carefully regulated logistics, including in terms of body preservation. Both the funeral of John Paul II and Benedict XVI, involved the use of innovative temporary conservation procedures-a necessary change, determined by a traumatic episode of the past.

Pilgrimage to the Basilica of Sf Peter in the Vatican on the occasion of Pope Francis Capture Video

In 1958, after the death of Pope Pius XII, his personal doctor, Riccardo Galeazzi Lisi, tried an unconventional method of embalming: he covered the body of the pontiff in cellophane and aromatic herbs. But the result was disastrous-instead of slowing down the decomposition, the procedure accelerated it, releasing toxic gases that caused fainting among the guards, and the accumulated pressure even led to the explosion of the chest during the coffin transport.

The papal body had to be covered with a gold mask, and the incident left a deep fingerprint on the Roman Curie (“Government” Of the Vatican and the Catholic Church).

As a result of this regrettable experience, the popes John XXIII and Paul VI requested traditional methods of conservation. However, with John Paul II and Benedict XVI, the Vatican has changed the direction: a modern technique of tanatopraxia was introduced, meant to keep the body only temporarily, without classic embalming.

According to the statements of Andrea Gantozzi, the president of the Italian Association of Tanatopraxia and director of the Init (Italian National Institute of Tanatopraxia), the same method would have been used in the current Pope Francis, as reported. El Español.

Fluytan: Modern solution for the conservation of papal bodies

The last three popes have refused embalming, instead choosing the temporary preservation of their bodies to allow natural decomposition after completing their burial and burial.

Tanatopraxia involves cosmetic and hygienic treatments for presenting the body during the privilege, without stopping the natural decomposition process after burial. These procedures slow down the effects of decomposition – such as the unpleasant odor, the elimination of gases and the flow of fluids – without involving the complete removal of the blood, as is the case with traditional formaldehyde embalming.

In fact, formaldehyde, although effective, is recognized as toxic and potentially carcinogenic.

For this reason, the bodies of the last popes would have been treated with Fluytan – a patented compound, which allows temporary preservation without invasive procedures. Thus, the Vatican manages to keep respect for the inanimate body, giving it a worthy presentation and, at the same time, allowing them to return to nature after the funeral ritual.

The main difference from the traditional formol is that Fluytan applies topically, directly to the body, through a sponge or other tool, having effect “Bactericide, thrombolitical – dissolves the clots – and lipolytic”thus contributing to the preservation of tissues and reducing unpleasant odors.

Fluytan: Innovative solution in DNA and remains analysis in criminal investigations

According to Ghotzzi, this substance is also used in medical and forensic research (applying science to solve legal cases, using techniques to support criminal investigations), because it better preserves organic DNA. It is also a solution for the bodies to be repatriated and which will therefore be delayed.

The forensic doctor in the case of the Spain accident (the plane crash in Madrid, of August 20, 2008, in which 154 people died – one of the most tragic events of its kind, in history) Dr. Eduardo Andreu, mentioned that: “The biggest problem in a plane accident is the number of victims.”

Therefore, Fluytan is injected directly at the arterial level, where it is diluted and discolored. “It is a much more effective treatment for the deceased, which ensures an extremely hygienic result, while guarantees a more presentable appearance of bodies.”explains the expert in tanatopraxia in an interview. “I worked for ten years with formol and I can tell you that it is a monster”he added.

The specialist used this opportunity to emphasize the ethical and human aspects of tanatoprax: “It is, first of all, about taking care of the last image we have about our loved ones, the one who stays in our soul. We have witnessed the final traumatic separations. There are people who have left with a terrible visual memory, adding the pain of loss.”