The heart of a Frenchwoman from the 19th century has stumped scientists because of how well-preserved it is.
A team of scientists from the Paris hospital system were asked by the Catholic Church to inspect the heart of prayer leader Pauline Jaricot, who died at the age of 62 in 1862 but had her heart preserved.
The woman, who was also a social worker, was beatified last year by Pope Francis, who claimed that Jaricot saved the life of a three-year-old girl who was in a coma after choking on food.
Beatification is a recognition by the Catholic Church of a deceased person’s entrance into Heaven and capacity to work on behalf of individuals who pray in their name.
Jaricot was believed to have passed away after suffering from heart disease. The organ was kept as a relic in a church in France, The Times reported.
However, after several tests, Dr Philippe Charlier, a forensic scientist, and his team wrote in the International Journal of Molecular Studies that they found no trace of heart disease.
Local Catholics tell a story of how Jaricot was miraculously healed when visiting Rome in 1837.
The scientists also reported that there were no signs that the heart was intentionally preserved.
“No evidence that was inconsistent with natural and spontaneous conservation not mediated by the hand of man – which can be considered a miracle by the Roman Catholic Church – could be retrieved,” the scientists wrote.
In order to be recognised as a saint, a second miracle would need to take place in the name of Jaricot.
Compiled by Dylan Bettencourt
Pictured above: Pauline Jaricot’s preserved heart
Image source: Twitter
