Not to be indelicate, but apparently the Pope is not embalmed.

[NoSunWithoutShadow]

( I apologized if this is a repeat.)

First heard this on the BBC a few days ago. They said if he did not show signs to decompose than that would be an affirmation of his sacredness.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4417155.stm

"But he has not been embalmed, according to the Vatican, which has insisted, rather elusively, that the body has merely been "prepared".

"There is speculation that the pontiff's skin has at the very least been treated with a disinfectant, and the plinth on which he lies is cooled to slow down the process of decay."

"Vatican officials may be sensitive about embalming the Pope."

"Paul VI underwent such treatment on his death in 1978, but he started to decompose rather more quickly than anticipated, while the speedy embalming of his immediate successor, John Paul I, ended up fuelling speculation that his death, just 33 days after his election, was not the result of natural causes."

[Dhalgren]

1. He will be Saint John Paul the Great by next week -

watch for it...

[displacedtexan]

2. Not sure I buy this.

Death is not the end of the dying process. As the body decomposes, many rather embarrassing noises and movements can startle unsuspecting loved ones.

That's why funeral directors are very careful about viewing times and durations because of escaping gasses which build up even in embalmed bodies.

Just before viewing, intense pressure is applied to the stomach area of the corpse.

The Pope may not have been embalmed with chemicals, but I'll bet they did some kind of Old Testament/Egyptian treatment to his body before leaving it in public view for so long.