Vatican Releases First Images of Pope Francis in Casket

Vatican Releases First Images of Pope Francis in Casket

The Vatican City has unveiled the first images of Pope Francis lying in his casket. In the photos, the late Pope is seen in an open wooden casket, dressed in red vestments, wearing his bishop's miter, and holding a rosary in his hands. 

The images were taken in the private chapel of the Casa Santa Marta, his residence within the Vatican, where he passed away on Monday at the age of 88.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, was seen praying over the Pope’s body. 

These images were released a day after Pope Francis' death, which was caused by a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and eventual irreversible heart failure