Pius X was buried in an unadorned tomb in the crypt beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. Papal physicians customarily removed organs from the deceased pontiff’s corpse as part of the embalming process. Pius X prohibited this practice in his burial, as have successive popes. Forty years after his death, Pius X’s body was exhumed as part of the beatification process and found intact. Below is rare footage of St. Pius X’s incorrupt body in which his face is adorned with a bronze mask. St. John XXIII is seen venerating his predecessor’s earthly remains along with various princes of the Church among others.<\/p>\n