Pope Francis: Vatican Releases Photos of Late Pope Lying in an Open Coffin

• Pope Francis passed away on April 21, 2025, with people around the world mourning his passing and honouring his legacy
• The Vatican, on April 22, 2025, released pictures of the late Pope lying in an open coffin and shared details about his funeral rites
• Many netizens have taken to the comments section of the post on Instagram to share their views on the pics that were shared

The Vatican, on April 22, 2025, shared pictures of the late Pope Francis lying in an open coffin after he passed away on Easter Monday on April 21, 2025.

Pope Francis lying in state

The Vatican took to social media to share a video of the deceased Pope lying in an open coffin, igniting emotions in people all around the world.

According to the Catholic Church, Cardinal Camerlengo Kevin Farrell presided over the funeral rites of the ascertainment of death.

The Cardinal also did the rites for the placement of the late Pope Francis' body in the coffin, which took place in the evening on April 21, 2025, in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta.

Pictures released by the Vatican, which were sighted on the Instagram page of BBC News, showed the late Pope Francis lying in an open coffin.

A rosary was tied around his fingers and interconnected on both hands while lying on his back in the coffin. He was dressed in a red robe and a white inner.

Sharing details of his funeral arrangements, the Vatican noted that the body of the late Pope Francis would be transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica on Wednesday at 9:00 AM to lie in state until his funeral on Saturday at 10:00 AM.

Reactions to Pope Francis in open coffin

Many people wondered why Pope Francis' remains were being shown to the public and asked why he was not being given a private burial.

Below are the reactions of social media users to the viral pictures of the mortal remains of the late Catholic Church leader lying in state:

henrychuksman said:

"Heaven gains a kind loving soul and earth lost."

flora_t_baby said:

"I hope a young man will be the next Pope."

the_natural_killer said:

"Most progressive and kindest pope ever 🕊️."

barbarabonney said:

"Died during Easter. So iconic."

armageddon said:

"I thought I read somewhere that the Pope requested for a simple funeral?"

jeremyhaydens said:

"Rest in peace Pope Francis ❤️."

President Mahama pays tribute to Pope Francis

YEN.com.gh also reported that President John Dramani Mahama joined millions around the world in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday at the age of 88.

In a touching tribute, the Ghanaian statesman reflected on the remarkable life and legacy of the late pontiff, praising his unwavering commitment to compassion, humility, and social justice.

President Mahama also fondly recalled his encounter with Pope Francis during an official visit to the Vatican with his wife, Lordina Mahama, calling it a moment that he would always cherish.

Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh