Vatican shares first images of Pope Francis as mourning rites begin

The Vatican on Tuesday released the first official photographs of Pope Francis lying in an open coffin, signalling the start of mourning rites after his passing.

The images, shared by the Holy See, show the late pope dressed in red liturgical robes and a bishop’s mitre, with a rosary placed gently between his folded hands.

His funeral is expected to hold between Friday and Sunday, though a final date is yet to be confirmed.

In an unusual move, Pope Francis had requested in his final wishes to be buried at Rome’s Basilica of Saint Mary Major instead of the traditional resting place at St. Peter’s.

His remains may be moved to St. Peter’s Basilica as early as Wednesday to allow the public to pay their last respects.