Vatican Releases Pictures Of Pope Francis In Open Casket [SEE PHOTOS]

The Vatican released the first photo and video of Pope Francis lying in state on Tuesday. The images show the late Pope in an open coffin, dressed in red liturgical vestments, wearing a mitre, and holding a rosary.

The body of Pope Francis is shown lying in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel. Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials are seen paying their respects before the body is moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.

A close-up view of Pope Francis’s hands is also included in the released images, showing him lying in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel.

It was earlier reported that the Holy See Press Office announced Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square.

According to the statement, Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, will lead the Mass, which will be attended by Patriarchs, Cardinals, Archbishops, Bishops, and priests from around the world.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell is shown blessing Pope Francis as he lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae before being moved to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.

The statement also mentioned that the funeral will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. Pope Francis’s body will then be taken to St. Peter’s Basilica and later to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for burial.

The Pope’s coffin will be moved from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica before the funeral.

Another image shows Pope Francis’s body lying in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel.