Pope Francis Dies at 88: Vatican Releases Images, World Leaders to Attend Funeral

"This image is shared for editorial purposes only. The deceased Pope is shown in this photograph, which is used with respect and in accordance with the website's content guidelines."

Vatican City - April 22, 2025

Just hours after his death on Monday, the Vatican released a set of somber photos of the late Pope Francis lying in an open coffin. The pictures, taken at the Chapel of Santa Marta during the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony, show the 88-year-old pope wearing red papal vestments, with a rosary between his fingers and a mitre on his head.

As camerlengo, Cardinal Kevin Farrell was photographed blessing the late Pope's body. He will now manage the day-to-day operations of the Vatican until a new pope is chosen, as required by custom.

This image is shared for editorial purposes only. The deceased Pope is shown in this photograph, which is used with respect and in accordance with the website's content guidelines.

Cause of Death and Last Hours

Pope Francis died at 7:35 a.m. on April 21 from complications from heart failure and a stroke, the Vatican said. Less than a day after welcoming the faithful in St. Peter's Square during Easter celebrations, the pope became ill early on Monday morning, according to Vatican News.

Shortly before going into a coma, he reportedly waved from his bed to Massimiliano Strappetti, his longtime personal nurse, in a heartfelt farewell. Francis said to Strappetti on Sunday, "I appreciate you taking me back to the Square."

He didn't endure any pain. Witnesses to his last moments were quoted by Vatican News as saying, "It all happened quickly."

This image is shared for editorial purposes only. The deceased Pope is shown in this photograph, which is used with respect and in accordance with the website's content guidelines.

International Funeral and Mourning Plans

According to the Vatican, Pope Francis's funeral will take place in St. Peter's Square on Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time (0800 GMT). Thousands of devotees, clergy, and dignitaries from around the world are anticipated to attend the event.

Heads of state have confirmed their attendance, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.S. President Donald Trump. In a rare move for a foreign religious leader, India ordered three days of state mourning, while Argentina declared a week of national mourning.

After the funeral Mass, the Pope will be laid to rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore after his coffin, which was constructed of zinc and wood per his wishes, is moved into St. Peter's Basilica. He will be the first pope to be laid to rest outside the Vatican in more than a century.

"This image is shared for editorial purposes only. The deceased Pope is shown in this photograph, which is used with respect and in accordance with the website's content guidelines."

The Road to a New Pope

The conclave process began Tuesday when the Vatican called its first general assembly of cardinals. In a private session that is anticipated to start between May 5 and May 10, cardinals under the age of 80 will have the opportunity to vote for the next pope.

The next leader of the Roman Catholic Church is already the subject of intense speculation, and observers are keeping a close eye out for clues about the Church's future course.

The Legacy of a Revolutionary Pope

Francis, who was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, was elected pope in 2013, making him the first Latin American and Jesuit. He fought for social justice, migrant rights, and environmental preservation for more than 12 years.

He pushed for greater inclusivity, transparency, and reforms in the Vatican's financial and administrative systems while upholding the Church's traditional positions on matters like abortion and clerical celibacy. Notably, he made reporting abuse cases mandatory within Church hierarchies and lifted the veil of pontifical secrecy surrounding them.

Despite being well-liked by many, his progressive beliefs encountered fierce opposition from church members. Nevertheless, he won over millions of people around the world with his simplicity, humility, and direct interaction with the faithful.

A Simple Farewell

Pope Francis, in keeping with his personal philosophy, asked for a simple tomb bearing just his Latin name, Franciscus. Following Vatican protocol, his apartment was formally sealed on Monday night.

Prayers, flowers, and tributes have been offered by mourners who have continued to assemble in St. Peter's Square. In her final moments with the Pope, Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary to the synod of bishops, expressed "sadness and gratitude."

"I noticed the pope was exhausted on Easter Sunday," Corsican Cardinal François-Xavier Bustillo said. "He persisted until the very end, until he took his final breath."

Related news...  Pope Francis Dies at 88: The World Mourns a Humble Leader Who Transformed the Church

Disclaimer: This post includes images of the late Pope, used for editorial purposes and with utmost respect. All images are credited to their respective sources.

By Primelineinfo