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For the first time, an image of Pope Francis’ body in an open casket has been released as the Vatican prepares for his funeral.
The 88-year-old Pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday, was laid out in a wooden casket at the Vatican’s Chapel of Santa Marta.
This was done during the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony, officiated by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo.
The ceremony, which was brief and lasted less than an hour, confirmed the cause of death as respiratory complications related to his chronic lung disease.
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In the released images, the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, was seen praying beside Pope Francis' body, which was displayed in state at the private chapel. The Pontiff’s body was dressed in red vestments and a bishop's miter.
Pope Francis had been battling chronic lung disease for years, including a past surgery where part of his lung was removed.
He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14, 2025, for a respiratory crisis that worsened into double pneumonia. After a 38-day stay, the Pope passed away in the morning of Easter Monday, a day after delivering his final public blessing from St. Peter’s Square, where he had greeted thousands of faithful.
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Cardinal Farrell announced the Pope's death, stating that Francis had returned “to the home of the Father.” The ceremony was held at the Domus Santa Marta, where the Pope had spent much of his papacy.
The Vatican has now turned its attention to the logistics of Pope Francis' funeral. Cardinals will meet to discuss the upcoming funeral, burial arrangements, and the scheduling of a conclave to elect his successor. Additionally, they will decide when his body will be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
Pope Francis had expressed his wish to be buried at the St. Mary Major basilica, a place dear to him due to its Byzantine-style icon of the Virgin Mary, which he would visit after each of his foreign trips. He last visited the basilica in April, shortly before his death, to pray before the Madonna one final time.