BODY OF BLESSED JOHN XXIII IS REMARKABLY WELL PRESERVED

VATICAN CITY, MAR 27, 2001 (VIS) - The latest copy of the bulletin entitled "St. Peter's Basilica," produced monthly by the Fabric of St. Peter's, contains a lengthy article on the January 16, 2001 canonical recognition of the body of Blessed Pope John XXIII, who died on June 3, 1963 after reigning for five years as Supreme Pontiff. This recognition took place because, as per the wish of Pope John Paul II, the remains of Blessed John XXIII will be transferred from the Vatican Grotto area, below the main floor of St. Peter's Basilica, to an altar in the basilica itself.

Among those present for the first task of opening the three coffins were Cardinal Virgilio Noe, archpriest of the Vatican Basilica, Msgr. Vittorio Lanzani, secretary of the Fabric of St. Peter's and master of ceremonies in the basilica, and other specialized personnel of St. Peter's Basilica.

Popes have for some time been traditionally buried in three repositories. Pope John's body is within a cypress coffin, which lies within a lead catafalque, also known as the 'castrumdoloris', which is inside a Travertine marble sarcophagus.

The work of opening the three coffins began at 8:45 a.m. Following a brief break at noon, the work continued and at 5 p.m. the cypress coffin was removed and at 5:30 it was placed on a cart and brought to a room called the Altieri Deposit, specifically equipped for such canonical recognitions. At 6 p.m. Cardinal Noe greeted Cardinal Secretary of State Sodano and Archbishop Leonardo Sandri, substitute for General Affairs in the basilica. Also present was Dr. Renato Buzzonetti, director of Vatican City's health services.

The entire procedure was documented in writing as well as by photographs.

The report describes the recognition of John XXIII as follows:

"Having raised the linen which veiled him, his hands appeared, wearing red gloves, and his right ring finger bore the pontifical ring; his hands held the crucifix and mitre, the top of which was turned away from the hands.

"The Blessed's face, once the cloth which covered it was lifted, appeared integral, with the eyes closed, the mouth slightly open, and the features were such as to be able to immediately recognize the familiar physiognomy of the venerated pontiff.

"The head, which bore the white skull cap, rested on a red pillow and the body, wearing the pontifical vestments, showed the pallium over the shoulders. Beneath this was the fanon (a white silk cape worn only by Popes), trimmed in gold, according to ancient papal usage; one could also see the dark red chasuble embroidered in gold, the maniple, two small tunics; at his sides was the succintory. From the knees down one could note a very fine tulle surplice, under which could be seen the white papal vestments; on his feet are red papal shoes embroidered in gold."

Placed symmetrically at his feet were four red pouches containing monies and coins from his pontificate. The pontiff's body was measured: He was 1.6 meters high and his shoulder span was 60 centimeters.

After spraying the body with an antibacterial solution, the coffin was hermetically closed, covered with a plastic material and appropriately sealed. Conclusive preservation operations will occur when the remains of Blessed John XXIII are transferred to the altar of St. Jerome's Chapel in St. Peter's Basilica, according to Cardinal Noe.

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