The Pope sports dark blemishes on his visage, due to an unknown reason.
Pope Francis' Final Journey Sparks Online Speculation Over Dark Spots on His Image
Starting from Wednesday, Catholic faithful can pay their respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica, following his passing on Thursday morning. A solemn procession will transport the deceased Pope from the Santa Marta residence to the Vatican basilica.
A unique ritual initiates as the Pope's body is displayed in the Basilica, a practice open to cardinals, members of the Curia, and Vatican employees during the early hours of Tuesday. Devotees can view the open casket, which positions Francis' body before an altar, historic for the late Pontiff's regular Mass celebrations. Dressed in a red robe and white bishop's miter, the Pope's hands are adorned with a rosary, guarded by members of the Swiss Guard.
In a series of released photographs, dark spots on the Pope's face and hands have ignited widespread speculation, leading many to question the circumstances surrounding the Pope's death.
Dr. Thomas Kurscheid, an expert in the field, clarified the nature of these dark spots. "After a closer examination, the blue marks appear to be a normal post-mortem phenomenon known as lividity," explained Dr. Kurscheid. "It suggests that the deceased likely died with the left side of the face resting, causing the blood to pool and change color from red to blue over time."
While it is not uncommon for dark spots to appear post-mortem, various factors, such as decomposition, embalming issues, or natural changes can influence the appearance of the deceased. No specific details regarding the deceased Pope's post-mortem condition have surfaced yet.
The speculation about the Pope's health-and-wellness has been fueled by the dark spots on his image, leading many to question the circumstances surrounding his death. However, Dr. Thomas Kurscheid, a science expert, has clarified that these dark spots could be a normal post-mortem phenomenon known as lividity.
