The Vatican released the first images of Papa Francis in repose on Tuesday, showing the late pontiff lying in an open coffin, dressed in red vestments with a mitre and rosary in hand. The solemn photos were taken in the private chapel of Casa Santa Marta, where he passed away on April 21 at age 88.

A day earlier, the Vatican confirmed Papa Francis died from a cerebral stroke that led to coma and cardiac failure. Dr Andrea Arcangeli’s official report noted the pope’s chronic ailments, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and prior pneumonia. His death was formally recorded at 7:35 am via electrocardiographic thanatography.

Born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires, Francis made history as the first Latin American pope. His papacy, beginning in March 2013, was defined by efforts to reform the church, uplift the marginalized, and promote global compassion. Despite his declining health, he greeted the faithful one final time on Easter Sunday.

In a will penned in 2022, Francis asked for a simple burial at the Basilica of St Mary Major—eschewing the centuries-old tradition of entombment at St Peter’s. He requested a plain grave near the Salus Populi Romani icon, marked only with the name “Franciscus.” No papal titles. No grandeur.

He offered his final suffering for world peace and unity. With this modest farewell, Francis becomes the first pope in nearly 150 years not buried in St Peter’s.