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Vatican Shares Shocking Photos Of Pope Francis In Open Casket
The Vatican has released a series of shocking photos showing Pope Francis lying in an open casket following his death at age 88.
The released photographs, taken during the ‘Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff’ ceremony at the chapel of Casa Santa Marta, have exposed symbolic details that would typically remain private.
They show the late pontiff dressed in red liturgical vestments with the papal mitre on his head.
Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Irish-American camerlengo (chamberlain) who now oversees Vatican operations until a successor is chosen, can also be seen in the images blessing the pope’s body with holy water.
While the Vatican historically maintains strict privacy around such moments, perhaps what’s most startling to observers is Pope Francis’ dramatic break from centuries of papal funeral traditions.
Unlike his predecessors, who were laid to rest in three elaborate nested coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak, Pope Francis explicitly requested a simple wooden casket in his final will, per the BBC.
The pontiff wrote in his will, dated June 29, 2022: “The tomb must be in the earth; simple, without particular decoration and with the only inscription: Franciscus.”
This stark departure from papal burial customs extends to his lying in state.
While previous popes were displayed on ornate cushioned platforms, Francis will remain in a plainly lined wooden coffin throughout the mourning period – a visual reminder of his lifelong commitment to simplicity and rejection of pomp.
Pope Francis is also shown wearing a simple silver ring rather than the ornate gold Fisherman’s Ring, which is traditionally associated with the papal office.
Again, this personal choice reflects his well-known preference for modest accessories over lavish symbols of authority.
The chapel setting itself contains striking triangular architectural elements throughout its design, representing the Holy Trinity.
Behind Pope Francis’ coffin, a Latin inscription reads: “Veni sancte spiritus reple tuorum corda fidelum.” (“Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful”) – words that take on new significance in the context of his passing.
Since seeing the intimate photos, Catholics have expressed shock at seeing their spiritual leader in such a vulnerable state. Others have praised the transparency as consistent with Pope Francis’ approachable leadership style.
One person wrote on X, formerly Twitter: “Is that really necessary?” while another agreed, adding: “Why show/release these pictures?”
However, a further commenter pointed out: “Some of you all have never been to a funeral before, and it shows. Open casket viewings are done all the time. This isn’t specific to the Catholic church.”
The Pope’s body will remain at Casa Santa Marta until Wednesday morning before being transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
His funeral will take place Saturday at St. Peter’s Square – numerous world leaders are expected to attend, including U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Following the funeral, Pope Francis will be buried at St. Mary Major Basilica – another break with tradition, as most popes are interred beneath St. Peter’s Basilica.
This location holds special significance as home to his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, which he visited shortly before his death.
The conclave to elect his successor cannot begin for at least 15 days, as cardinals from around the world gather in Rome to participate in this ancient process of papal selection.
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