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PICTORIAL: Vatican releases photos of Pope Francis in open casket
The Vatican on Tuesday published the first photo and video of Pope Francis lying in state, showing the late Pontiff in an open coffin dressed in red liturgical vestments, a mitre on his head and a rosary placed in his hands.
The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials paying their respects before his transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Ekwutosblog reports that the Holy See Press Office disclosed that the funeral of Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10am in St. Peter’s Square.
According to the statement, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, “Will preside at the Mass, which will be concelebrated by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from across the globe.”
Cardinal Kevin Farrell blesses Pope Francis as he lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae before his transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
It added, “The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. The late Pope Francis’ body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
“Ahead of the funeral, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.”
The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Deborah, with nearly two years of media experience, reports human interest stories with a foundation in metro reporting.