The body of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Monday, has been pictured in an open coffin as preparations for his funeral in the Vatican get underway.

For the first time, a photograph of Pope Francis’ body in an open casket has been made public as funeral preparations at the Vatican get underway.

The 88-year-old Pontiff, who died on Easter Monday, was displayed in an open coffin at the Vatican during the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony.

His body was laid in the coffin last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta, according to a statement from the Vatican.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, presided over the death declaration in a ceremony that lasted less than an hour – with his cause of death announced on Monday evening.

The first images released show Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praying before Pope Francis’ body, which was laid out in state within his private chapel at the Vatican.

The photographs show him resting in a wooden casket, dressed in red vestments and his bishop’s miter. The Vatican said Francis died due to a stroke that led to a coma and ultimately resulted in heart failure.

Francis, who had a history of chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed when he was younger, was admitted to Gemelli hospital on February 14, 2025, due to a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

He stayed there for 38 days, marking the longest hospital stay of his 12-year papacy.

His last public appearance was on Easter Sunday, just one day before his death, where he gave blessings to the masses in St. Peter’s Square amidst a shower of cheers and applause. He had also recently met with US Vice President JD Vance.

From the very loggia that introduced him as the 266th pope on March 13, 2013, he bestowed his blessing.

“At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church,” Cardinal Kevin Farrell declared from the Domus Santa Marta’s chapel, the residence of Pope Francis.

Cardinals are set to convene at the Vatican on Tuesday to discuss Pope Francis’ funeral arrangements and burial, plan the conclave to choose his successor, and address other matters concerning the governance of the Catholic Church as global leaders and parishioners alike grieve the leader’s loss.

They will determine an appropriate time for his body to lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica for the public to pay their respects.

Pope Francis solidified his desire in his final testament to be interred at the St. Mary Major basilica, located outside the Vatican walls and the site of his cherished icon of the Virgin Mary.

Francis would make a point of visiting the basilica to offer prayers before the Byzantine-inspired image of Mary upon returning from every overseas journey.

The Pope made a detour to the basilica on his journey home from the Gemelli hospital on March 23, following his 38-day hospitalization, to present flowers to be positioned before the icon.

He made another visit on April 12 to offer prayers before the Madonna for the final time.