Following a period of intense mourning, the first visual representations of Pope Francis have been unveiled. Images released Tuesday depicted him in repose within a wooden casket, adorned with traditional red vestments and his bishop’s mitre – a poignant testament to his office – as Vatican Secretary of State prayed over him during a ceremony held at the Domus Santa Marta hotel chapel.
Key events leading up to the funeral were convened on Tuesday. Cardinals gathered in the Vatican’s synod hall, initiating deliberations regarding the forthcoming steps before formally commencing the process of electing his successor. A decision was reached to hold the papal Mass of Remembrance for Saturday at 10:00 a.m., scheduled to take place in St. Peter’s Square.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, the dean of the College of Cardinals, will preside over the service. Public viewing of the casket is anticipated to begin Wednesday, with its transfer into St. Peter’s Basilica. Notable figures are expected to attend; U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, along with Argentine President Javier Milei, have both indicated their intention to be present at the funeral.
“He gave himself to the end,” stated Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian bishops’ conference, reflecting on the Pope’s dedication. “To go out to meet everyone, speak to everyone, teach us to speak to everyone, to bless everyone.”
Pope Francis passed away peacefully on Monday at the age of 88, following a stroke that induced a coma and ultimately led to cardiac failure. His twelve-year tenure as the 266th pope represented a significant chapter in the history of the Roman Catholic Church.
Prior to his death, Francis endured considerable health challenges, including chronic lung disease requiring surgical intervention – the removal of part of one lung – and a prolonged illness marked by double pneumonia, necessitating 38 days of treatment at Rome’s Gemelli hospital beginning February 14th. Despite these difficulties, he made a final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering his traditional blessing from the popemobile and meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.
His last public address occurred in the loggia where he was initially introduced as the first pope of the Americas on March 13, 2013. Further details about his final wishes are also emerging; Pope Francis stipulated that he will be interred at St. Mary Major basilica, located outside the Vatican and holding particular significance for him due to its veneration of an icon of the Virgin Mary.
During a visit to the basilica on March 23rd, following his extended hospitalization, he placed flowers before the revered icon, returning again on April 12th for one final prayer.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
