Pope’s Deadly Delay: Scorching Heat Threatens to Ruin Pontiff’s Last Rites

It was a chaotic day in Rome as thousands of mourners flocked to the Basilica of St. Peter’s to pay their respects to the late Pope Leo XIII. The opportunity to view the pontiff’s body, which had been lying in state since sunrise, was originally slated to last three days. However, as Thursday night descended upon the Eternal City, it became clear that the heat was taking a devastating toll on the deceased’s remains. Despite the best efforts of embalmers, the sweltering temperatures had begun to accelerate decomposition, forcing the conclave of cardinals to consider a hasty funeral.