Vatican’s Secret and Deadly Project to Mummify Their Members for Sainthood

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All believers in Christ, please read the word of the living God Almighty according to the Scriptures:

Job 7:9-10
9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.
10 He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

Psalm 146:4
4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.

Ecclesiastes 9:10
10 Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Living Saints: Vatican’s Secret Project

The Vatican has a secret and dangerous project to preserve the bodies of those it deems holy. Individuals who performed good works in life may be made saints, and their bodies sometimes undergo mummification.

By Theresa Potenza | March 22, 2014

Inspired by Ancient Egypt, the Vatican undertook a 40-year effort to preserve the remains of its holy adherents, including Pope John XXIII. The process of canonization is spiritual, but the physical preservation of saints is a different matter entirely.

On April 27, Popes John XXIII and John Paul II were granted sainthood by Pope Francis. John XXIII, popularly known as the “Good Pope,” had his body preserved since 1963 in a glass coffin, becoming a major attraction in the Vatican.

The four-decade experiment, inspired by Egyptian mummification, saw 31 saints, beatified individuals, and servants of God preserved between 1975 and 2008. This project, however, was hazardous and fatal for many involved.

The Incorruptible

Catholic belief holds that bodies that do not decay signify holiness. While two miracles are normally required for sainthood, a perfect corpse could once count as a miracle. To help preserve bodies, embalmers used oils and herbs.

For example, Pope Pius XII’s initial preservation efforts failed, causing rapid decay and unpleasant incidents. Pope John XXIII, treated with a formalin solution and airtight coffin, remained remarkably well-preserved.

The Vatican also preserves relics such as hands, heads, and feet, reflecting the belief that holiness adheres to the physical body.

The Mummification Team

Monsignor Gianfranco Nolli, director of the Vatican’s Egyptian Museum, initiated the modern preservation program in 1975. The team included medical surgeons, pathologists, radiologists, anthropologists, and microbiologists.

They treated both recent and historical bodies, including those of St. Clare of Assisi (13th century) and St. Teresa of Avila (16th century). Preservation methods involved chemical baths, linen wrapping, and reconstruction of bones before sterilization.

Some relics were treated with unusual care. For example, St. Don Luigi Orione’s shoes mysteriously returned to their original state despite replacement attempts by the team, which they interpreted as a sign from the deceased.

Preserving Pope John XXIII

John XXIII’s body underwent months of chemical baths, bandaging, and wax application, taking about a year in total. Unlike John Paul II, whose body was buried in a vacuumed casket, John XXIII’s body was placed on display for pilgrims.

Although the Congregation for the Causes of Saints did not recognize the preservation as a miracle, Pope Francis waived the second miracle requirement, citing John XXIII’s lifetime achievements.

Tragic Ends

The mummification project was extremely hazardous. Only one member of the original team survived; others died from cancers likely caused by exposure to toxic chemicals. The last project was completed in 2008 for Pier Giorgio Frassati.

Saints Preserved

Some of the 31 bodies and relics preserved include:

• St. Alphius’ heart (c. 3rd century)

• St. Saturninus’ bones (c. 4th century)

• St. Clare of Assisi (1253)

• St. Teresa of Avila’s foot (1582)

• Pope John XXIII (1963)

• St. Frances Cabrini (1917)

• Pier Giorgio Frassati (1925)

• St. Don Luigi Orione (1940)

This list demonstrates the Vatican’s long-standing practice of physical preservation as part of honoring holiness.

Filed under: Catholic Church, History, Pope Francis, Pope John Paul II, Pope John XXIII, Religion, Vatican | March 22, 2014