Vatican City: The Vatican on Tuesday, April 22, released the first photographs of Pope Francis lying in repose, a day after the 88-year-old pontiff passed away following a stroke.
The images, taken inside the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, his personal residence within Vatican City, showed the late pope dressed in red liturgical robes, wearing the traditional papal mitre, and holding a rosary in his hands.
Pope Francis, who was the first Latin American Pope, had been seriously ill in the weeks leading up to his death. He was hospitalised with double pneumonia earlier this year and discharged only on March 23. While he made a brief public appearance on April 20 — waving to his well-wishers and greeting a young child, his frailty was evident.
As per the Vatican, he died peacefully on Monday, April 21, after suffering a stroke. His passing brings an end to a transformative papacy marked by his outreach to marginalized communities, push for reform within the Catholic Church, and unprecedented international engagement.
Pope Francis travelled extensively during his tenure, making more than 45 trips abroad. He was the first pope to visit countries such as Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Myanmar, North Macedonia, Bahrain, and Mongolia.
Funeral to Take Place Before Conclave for Successor
His funeral is scheduled to take place later this week, with both worshippers and global dignitaries expected to attend. Following the funeral rites, a conclave of cardinals will convene to elect a new pope.
In his final public message, delivered by an aide from the main balcony of St Peter’s Basilica on Easter Sunday, Francis urged, “an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” continuing his long-standing calls for peace.
Mourners, tourists, and pilgrims gathered in the Vatican this week expressed deep sorrow, reflecting on his papacy that touched millions across the globe.
