The first image and video of Pope Francis lying in state were released by the Vatican on Tuesday. It showed the late pope in an open coffin wearing red liturgical garb, with a rosary in his hands and a mitre on his head.
The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, surrounded by Swiss Guards, cardinals, and Vatican officials paying their respects before his transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican MediaPope Francis’ hands are seen as his body lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
Cardinal Kevin Farrell blesses Pope Francis as he lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae before his transfer to St. Peter’s Basilica for public veneration, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media
It added, “The Eucharistic celebration will conclude with the Ultima commendatio and the Valedictio. The late Pope Francis’ body will then be taken into St. Peter’s Basilica and then to the Basilica of St. Mary Major for entombment.
“Ahead of the funeral, the coffin containing the Pope’s body will be carried from the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta to St. Peter’s Basilica.”
The body of Pope Francis lies in state at the Vatican’s Domus Sanctae Marthae chapel, Monday, April 21, 2025. Credit: Vatican Media