The Vatican has released a series of poignant images of Pope Francis, showing him lying in an open coffin just hours after his death. The photographs, taken during the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony on Monday, capture the 88-year-old pope in his red papal vestments, mitre on his head, and a rosary clasped between his fingers. These images serve as a final farewell to a man who spent over a decade leading the Catholic Church with a blend of reformist zeal and compassion.

The death of Pope Francis was confirmed by the Vatican on Monday evening, stating that he passed away due to complications from a stroke and heart failure. His passing marks the end of a papacy that began in 2013, when he became the first pope from Latin America and the first Jesuit pope in history. He led with a clear focus on social justice, environmental stewardship, and inclusivity, all while steering the Church through challenging modern times.

The Final Moments

Pope Francis’s last moments were peaceful, according to Vatican News. The pontiff began feeling unwell at around 5:30 AM on Monday, less than a day after greeting a crowd during Easter Sunday services in St. Peter’s Square. His personal nurse, Massimiliano Strappetti, described a heartfelt gesture in which Francis waved to him from his bed, a symbolic “goodbye” before slipping into a coma. He was pronounced dead at 7:35 AM. Vatican reports confirmed that he did not suffer, and his passing was quick, marking a serene end for a beloved pope.

Earlier, Francis had spoken warmly to Strappetti, thanking him for encouraging a final tour of St. Peter’s Square in his popemobile on Easter Sunday. This was a reflection of Francis’s enduring commitment to his flock, even in his final days.

Pope Francis' body is seen in a coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence at the Vatican, where the late pontiff resided and then died at the age of 88, on April 21, 2025. Handout/Vatican News service





Funeral and Global Tributes

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis's funeral will take place on Saturday, drawing world leaders from across the globe. US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have all confirmed their attendance, as will other heads of state and royal families. Thousands of pilgrims, tourists, and faithful have also gathered in St. Peter’s Square to pay their respects.

The funeral service is scheduled for 10:00 AM (0800 GMT) on Saturday, and it will take place in front of St. Peter’s Basilica. Pope Francis’s coffin, which he had personally ordered to be made of wood and zinc, will then be transferred to Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be buried in accordance with his will. This will make him the first pope in over 100 years to be laid to rest outside the Vatican.

The Election of a New Pope

With Pope Francis’s passing, the Holy See has initiated the centuries-old process of electing a new pope. The general congregation of cardinals convened on Tuesday to begin discussions on the next steps, which will culminate in the conclave to elect a new pontiff. Only cardinals under the age of 80 are eligible to vote, and the conclave is expected to begin no less than 15 days and no more than 20 days after the death of the pope, meaning it will take place between May 5 and 10.

As the Catholic world processes the loss of Francis, speculation is already swirling around who might succeed him. Cardinal Francois-Xavier Bustillo of Corsica described the upcoming period as an intense time, acknowledging that Francis’s legacy would significantly influence the direction of the Church moving forward.

Legacy of Pope Francis

Pope Francis leaves behind a complex and transformative legacy. Throughout his 12-year papacy, he remained an outspoken advocate for the marginalized, frequently calling for compassion towards migrants, refugees, and those most vulnerable in society. His progressive views on issues such as social justice, environmental protection, and the role of women in the Church won him widespread admiration, although not without criticism from traditionalists within the Church.

At the same time, Francis sought to reform the governance of the Holy See, and in response to growing scandals surrounding child sexual abuse within the Church, he lifted pontifical secrecy and demanded accountability, even calling for the reporting of abuse cases to authorities. However, while these measures were seen as steps in the right direction, victims’ groups have argued that more needed to be done to hold those responsible accountable.

Francis also reshaped the Vatican’s finances, fighting corruption and implementing new reforms aimed at cleaning up the financial mismanagement that had plagued the institution for decades.

Despite the challenges and internal opposition he faced, Pope Francis was beloved by millions of Catholics worldwide for his humility, accessibility, and focus on compassion and reform. As the world bids farewell to the man known for his simple robes and no-frills approach to papacy, his death has sparked a period of reflection on the future of the Church and his impact on both the Vatican and the global Catholic community.

As tributes pour in from across the globe, Pope Francis’s passing reminds the world of the enduring importance of spiritual leadership, and the legacy of love, faith, and progress he leaves behind.