In a deeply moving moment for Catholics around the world, the Vatican has released the first official images of Pope Francis lying in repose in an open coffin inside St. Peter’s Basilica. The solemn release comes as part of the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony — a centuries-old tradition marking the formal end of a papal reign and the beginning of mourning for the global Church.

The photos show the late Pope Francis dressed in traditional papal vestments, lying peacefully with rosary beads in his folded hands, surrounded by candles and floral arrangements. His face, calm and serene, reflects the quiet dignity with which he served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church.

A Historic and Emotional Moment

The ceremony of the “Confirmatio Obitus Pontificis” (Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff) is one of the Vatican’s most sacred rites. It is attended by top officials of the Roman Curia, members of the College of Cardinals, and representatives of various religious orders. The event also included the sealing of the Pope’s Fisherman’s Ring, symbolizing the official end of his authority.

The Vatican has announced that the funeral will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, in St. Peter’s Square, with an expected attendance of hundreds of thousands of mourners, including heads of state, religious leaders, and pilgrims from around the globe.

World Leaders Pay Tribute

As news of Pope Francis’s passing spread, tributes poured in from across the world. U.S. President Joe Biden, a practicing Catholic, issued a heartfelt statement:

“Pope Francis was a man of deep humility, courage, and compassion. He challenged us all to love the poor, to protect the planet, and to live with kindness and empathy.”

French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also expressed condolences, highlighting Pope Francis’s tireless advocacy for peace, social justice, and climate action.

Mourning at the Vatican

Since the official announcement of his death, thousands have gathered at St. Peter’s Square, many waiting in line to pay their respects. Flags were lowered to half-staff, and a period of nine days of mourning, known as “Novemdiales,” has begun — featuring daily Masses, prayers, and special liturgies in honor of the late pontiff.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican Secretary of State, said during the service:

“Francis taught us that faith is not a theory but a path walked with the poor, the sick, and the forgotten. Today, we walk in sorrow but also in deep gratitude.”

A Legacy That Changed the Church

Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Argentina, made history in 2013 when he became the first Jesuit pope, the first from the Americas, and the first non-European pope in more than 1,200 years. His papacy was marked by a renewed focus on mercy, inclusiveness, and simplicity.

He was known for washing the feet of prisoners, challenging global economic systems, advocating for migrants, and urging the world to respond to the climate crisis with moral urgency. Though his views sometimes drew criticism from traditionalists, his popularity among ordinary Catholics remained high throughout his reign.

The Road Ahead

With Pope Francis now laid to rest, attention will soon turn to the conclave, the secretive election process to choose his successor. The College of Cardinals, many of whom were appointed by Francis himself, will convene in the Sistine Chapel in the coming weeks to elect the next spiritual leader of the world’s 1.3 billion Catholics.

But for now, the Church and the world pause to reflect, mourn, and honor a pope whose words and actions left a profound impact on the modern age.

May he rest in peace.