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Final farewell: Vatican releases image of Pope Francis
Apr
A Solemn Moment: The Vatican Unveils Images of the Late Pontiff
On April 22, 2025, the Vatican released the first official images of Pope Francis following his passing. The photographs depict the late pontiff lying in repose within his open casket, adorned in red liturgical vestments and his bishop’s mitre, with a rosary gently resting between his folded hands. These images were captured during a private ceremony in the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, the Pope’s residence, where Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin is seen praying over the body. This intimate setting provided a moment for senior clergy and Vatican officials to pay their respects before the commencement of public mourning rituals.
The Passing of a Spiritual Leader: Circumstances Surrounding Pope Francis’s Death
Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88. The Vatican confirmed that the cause of death was a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure. In the months leading up to his passing, the Pope had been battling multiple health issues, including bilateral pneumonia, bronchiectasis, hypertension, and type II diabetes. Despite these challenges, he continued to fulfill his papal duties, demonstrating unwavering commitment to his role as the spiritual leader of over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide.
Honoring Final Wishes: Funeral Arrangements and Burial Plans
In accordance with Pope Francis’s personal wishes, his funeral is scheduled for Saturday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. local time in St. Peter’s Square, Vatican City. The ceremony will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, Dean of the College of Cardinals, and will include the Ultima commendatio and Valedictio rites. Following the funeral, the Pope’s body will be transferred to the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome for burial, marking a departure from the traditional papal burial site beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. This decision reflects Pope Francis’s desire for a simpler burial, without the customary triple coffin, and aligns with his lifelong commitment to humility and modesty.
Global Mourning: The World Pays Tribute to Pope Francis
The death of Pope Francis has prompted an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the globe. World leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Argentinian President Javier Milei, have confirmed their attendance at the funeral. Public mourning rituals have commenced, with the Pope’s body lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, April 23, allowing the faithful to pay their respects. The Vatican has declared a nine-day period of mourning, during which masses and prayers will be held in honor of the late pontiff.
A Legacy of Compassion: Reflecting on Pope Francis’s Papacy
Pope Francis’s papacy, which began in 2013, was marked by a focus on compassion, humility, and social justice. As the first Jesuit and the first Latin American to hold the papacy, he brought a unique perspective to the role, emphasizing the importance of caring for the marginalized and addressing global issues such as poverty and climate change. His decision to reside in the modest Casa Santa Marta rather than the Apostolic Palace, and his choice of a simple burial, underscore his commitment to a humble lifestyle. Pope Francis’s enduring legacy will continue to inspire and guide the Catholic Church and its followers for generations to come.
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