The Vatican has released the first official images of Pope Francis lying in repose following his death.
In the photos, the late pontiff is seen resting in an open wooden coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments, wearing a bishop’s mitre, and holding a rosary.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is shown offering prayers over him.
The images were captured inside the private chapel at Casa Santa Marta — the Pope’s residence within Vatican City — where he died on Monday at the age of 88.
The release of these images comes a day after the Holy See announced that Pope Francis died following a cerebral stroke, which resulted in a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, head of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene for the Vatican City State, confirmed the cause of death in an official report.
The document also noted the Pope’s long-term health challenges, including Type II diabetes, hypertension, and previous cases of respiratory failure and bilateral pneumonia.
Despite his declining health, Pope Francis made a final brief appearance on Easter Sunday, waving to the crowd from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, although he was too weak to deliver the traditional Easter message.
His death was formally recorded at 7:35am local time on April 21 through electrocardiographic thanatography.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Pope Francis made history as the first pontiff from Latin America.
Meanwhile, the Vatican has said that the funeral of Pope Francis will be held on Saturday at 9am UK time.
As is tradition, the funeral must be held between four and six days after the death of the pope.
After the funeral, there are nine days of official mourning, known as the “novendiali”.
Cardinals also confirmed that the Pope’s body will be moved to St Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday to allow the public to pay their respects before the burial.
Director of the Holy See Press Office Matteo Bruni said the transfer to St Peter’s Basilica could happen as early as Wednesday morning.
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