The Vatican has unveiled the first images of Pope Francis lying in repose following his death at the age of 88.
In the photos, the late pontiff is seen resting in an open wooden casket, dressed in red vestments, wearing a bishop’s miter, and holding a rosary. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, is seen praying over him.
The images were captured inside the private chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis’ residence within Vatican City, where he passed away on Monday.
The release of the images comes just a day after Pope Francis passed away from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.
Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, confirmed the cause of death in an official medical report. The report also outlined the pontiff’s long-standing health conditions, including Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, and a history of respiratory failure and bilateral pneumonia.
Pope Francis made his final public appearance just one day before his death, briefly greeting crowds from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday. Though visibly frail, he managed a short wave but was unable to deliver the full traditional message.
According to the Vatican, his death was officially recorded at 7:35 a.m. local time on April 21 through electrocardiographic thanatography.
Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis made history as the first pope from Latin America.
