[Photos]: The Vatican releases images of Pope Francis’s body
The Vatican has released solemn images of Pope Francis lying in an open casket, marking the beginning of nine days of mourning following his death on Sunday at the age of 88.
The photos show the pontiff resting peacefully in red liturgical vestments, holding a rosary, and wearing his papal mitre. His body was placed in a simple wooden coffin inside the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, his residence throughout his papacy.
The official ceremony confirming the pope’s death took place on Monday evening and lasted just under an hour. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Vatican, formally declared the pope’s death and oversaw the beginning of ancient traditions that mark the end of a papal reign.
“The death of the Sovereign Pontiff, Francis, has been confirmed,” proclaimed Farrell, fulfilling one of his key roles during a papal transition. In accordance with tradition, the Fisherman’s Ring—symbol of papal authority—will be broken with a special hammer, and the seals used for official documents will be destroyed. These objects will be buried with Francis.
The College of Cardinals convened early on Tuesday, April 22, to begin planning the funeral rites and initiate the process of electing a new pope. While the nine days of official mourning begin immediately, the conclave to choose Francis’s successor will not begin until at least 15 days after his passing.
Pope Francis died following a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. His death marks the end of a transformative pontificate defined by humility, reform, and a strong focus on social justice.
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