Pope Francis: Vatican Releases First Photos of Coffin

The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Francis lying in state in his casket following his passing on Monday morning. The photos show his body surrounded by praying officials and cardinals in his private chapel. The 88-year-old Pope suffered a stroke which led to a coma and heart failure, after a recent hospitalization for pneumonia. Cardinals are meeting at the Vatican to plan his funeral, burial, and the conclave to elect his successor. The Vatican also shared a video of the ceremony held in Pope Francis’ private chapel on Monday evening. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at St. Peter’s Square, with President Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei expected to attend. Pope Francis has expressed his wish to be buried in the St. Mary Major Basilica, rather than in St. Peter’s Basilica, reflecting his devotion to an icon of the Virgin Mary there. The Catholic Church will observe nine days of mourning after the burial.