THE Vatican has released pictures showing Pope Francis inside an open coffin during the rite of confirmation of the Pontiff’s death.
The leader of the Catholic Church, 88, died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure on Easter Monday, the Vatican confirmed.
14
Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin, left, prays in front of the body of Pope Francis laid out in state inside his private chapel at the VaticanCredit: AP
14
The body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of deathCredit: Reuters
14
A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casketCredit: Reuters
14
Pope Francis appears frail on the central lodge of St. Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday
14
Cardinal Kevin Farrell and other Vatican officials announce the death of Pope Francis in a video statementCredit: Reuters
14
Cardinals are now meeting in the Vatican to decide the date for the Pope’s funeralCredit: AP
The rite confirming Francis’ death and the placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta.
The coffin would now be taken into St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
