The mortal remains of Pope John XXIII have survived uncorrupted in their tomb for almost 38 years - a divine indication of sanctity for his admirers and a tribute to the properties of Formalin for the more scientifically minded.
The discovery was confirmed yesterday by a Vatican official who was present on January 16th when the papal coffin was opened for inspection.
The pope's face was found to be intact, "with his eyes closed and his mouth slightly open, with features immediately bringing to mind the familiar physiognomy of the venerated pontiff", according to a report on the inspection, carried out in preparation for the removal of Pope John's tomb from the crypt to the basilica of St Peter's.
"The remains of Pope John were found in their entirety and some have detected the sign of God's favour or of a sanctity that is now unquestioned," Cardinal Virgilio Noe said yesterday.
Scientists said Pope John's body had been preserved because it was treated with Formalin before burial and sealed without oxygen in a triple coffin.
Pope John was beatified by John Paul II in September. Newspapers reported yesterday that a young man from Umbria had recently been cured of cancer after praying for Pope John's intercession. If recognised as a miracle, the episode could speed up Pope John's path to sainthood.