Vatican releases photos of Pope Francis lying in state after Easter Monday death
The Vatican has released the first photos that show Pope Francis lying in state after the head of the Catholic church died on Easter Monday.
The photographs show Francis dressed in his vestments and laid in a wooden coffin in the chapel of the Santa Marta residence, where he lived during his 12-year papacy. Swiss Guards can be seen standing on either side of the casket.
The body of Francis, who died at the age of 88 from a stroke and irreversible heart failure, is due to be taken at 9 a.m. local time Wednesday, April 23 into the adjacent St. Peter's Basilica in a procession led by cardinals. This is when the faithful will be permitted to pay their last respects.
A funeral for Pope Francis will then be held at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) Saturday, April 26 in St. Peter's Square – a solemn ceremony sure to draw leaders from around the world. President Donald Trump, who clashed repeatedly with the pope about immigration, has already announced he will attend the funeral in Rome with first lady Melania Trump.
Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, instead of in the crypt of St. Peter's Basilica, where many of pope's predecessors were laid to rest.
Vatican releases photos of Pope Francis lying in state
Contributing: Reuters
Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com
This story was updated to add new information.