By Sola Ojewusi
Vatican City — April 22, 2025
The Vatican on Tuesday released the first official photographs of Pope Francis lying in state, following his death on Monday at the age of 88. The images, shared by Agence France-Presse (AFP), show the late pontiff in an open coffin, dressed in a red papal robe, with a mitre on his head and a rosary placed in his hands — a solemn reflection of his lifelong devotion to the Catholic faith.
The Vatican said the body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing before funeral rites commence later this week.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, served as the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church and was the first pontiff from the Americas. Tributes continue to pour in from religious, political, and global leaders mourning the passing of a transformative figure in modern church history.
Photos: AFP
