By Daniel Okejeme with additional agency report
The Vatican on Tuesday released the first official photographs of Pope Francis lying in repose in an open casket, marking the beginning of the mourning period following his passing away on Easter Monday.
In a touching tribute, the Holy See shared images of the late Pope, adorned in red vestments and mitre, with a rosary delicately positioned between his hands.
In a surprising departure from custom, Pope Francis’ final wishes included being laid to rest at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, not St. Peter’s Basilica.
The Pope’s body is expected to be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday, allowing mourners to pay their last respects.
Persecondnews reports that the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church died on April 21 at the age of 88, after being hospitalized for an infection that developed into pneumonia in both lungs in recent weeks.
He will be buried on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
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