Pope Francis Lies in Coffin as Vatican Mourners Pay Respects Following His Death

Vatican City — The Vatican has released images of Pope Francis’s body inside a coffin as crowds gather to mourn the late pontiff, who died at the age of 88 following a cerebral stroke and cardiac arrest.

In the solemn photographs, Pope Francis is shown dressed in his religious vestments with a rosary gently placed between his hands. Members of the Vatican guard stand vigil beside his body.

The Catholic Church officially confirmed his passing on Monday morning and later disclosed that his final wishes included a humble burial. In his testament, the pontiff requested to be laid to rest in a simple underground tomb rather than the traditional resting place of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Part of his final message reads:
“As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.”

He added that his devotion to the Virgin Mary shaped his request to be buried at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major. “I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey,” he wrote, “confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”

According to Vatican officials and Italian media reports, Pope Francis could lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday to allow the public to pay their respects.

Vatican spokesperson Matteo Bruni confirmed the potential timeline, stating, “The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning.”

The Pope’s death has prompted tributes from leaders and the faithful around the world, with thousands expected to visit the Vatican in the coming days.