The poignant images of Pope Francis lying in his casket offer more than just a glimpse of his final moments—they reveal a story in every intricate detail.
From the unconventional design of the casket to the carefully selected personal items placed beside him, the late pontiff’s final arrangement defies centuries of Vatican tradition—an act that was, in fact, his own wish.
As the world bids its heartfelt farewell to Pope Francis, his burial will be a reflection of the values he upheld throughout his life. A man of profound simplicity, humility, and unwavering compassion for the marginalized, his final resting place stands as a powerful symbol of the legacy he leaves behind. The personal treasures he chose to accompany him serve as a lasting testament to a life dedicated to service, love, and transformation.
The beloved 88-year-old pontiff passed away on Monday after suffering a devastating stroke that led to irreversible heart failure. After weeks of battling pneumonia, the Argentine-born spiritual leader passed peacefully at the Vatican.
What’s inside the Pope’s casket?
On Tuesday, the Vatican released the first powerful images of Pope Francis lying in repose. These striking photos revealed the meaningful mementos placed with him on his final journey.
His casket, vigilantly guarded by ceremonial officers, stood in quiet reverence as Vatican officials and members of his inner circle gathered for an intimate, respectful farewell.
In the photos shared, Pope Francis lies serenely in an open casket, draped in red vestments—symbolizing martyrdom and the blood of Christ. A rosary is tenderly placed in his hands, completing the deeply personal tribute to a life well-lived.
Inside Pope Francis’s casket lie several poignant symbols of his papacy. Alongside him, there is his mitre, the traditional papal hat; his crozier, the pastoral staff; and a set of coins minted during his papacy—each representing his time as the Vicar of Christ, a tradition steeped in centuries of history.
Also placed within the casket is a rogito, a sealed legal document summarizing the life and pontificate of the late pope. On his right hand, the Pope wears the broken Fisherman’s Ring, a ceremonial gesture symbolizing the end of his reign. This destruction of the ring not only marks the closure of his papacy but ensures that the seal, once used for the Pope’s personal letters, cannot be misused after his passing.
A Glimpse of the Casket
Pope Francis’s passing marks a profound departure from the established traditions of papal funerals, and the simplicity of his coffin is a striking reflection of this. Unlike previous popes, such as the late Pope Benedict, whose remains were placed in elaborate triple coffins made of cypress, lead, and oak, Francis chose a much humbler approach. His coffin is a simple wooden structure lined with zinc, staying true to his commitment to humility.
The traditional papal farewell, in which the Pope’s body would be placed on a catafalque for public mourning inside St. Peter’s Basilica, has also been abandoned. Instead, Pope Francis’s body will rest inside the open coffin, inviting mourners to pay their respects in a more intimate, personal manner.
In a further break from tradition, Pope Francis will be the first pontiff in over a century to be buried outside the Vatican. He will be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome’s Esquilino neighborhood, a place he personally chose for his final resting place, rather than in the grottoes beneath St. Peter’s, where the tombs of around 90 popes are located.
When and Where is the Funeral?
The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis’s funeral will be held on Saturday, April 26, at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square. After the public ceremony, his body will be transported to the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, where he will be laid to rest in accordance with his wishes.
Starting Wednesday, Pope Francis’s body will lie in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. As the procession enters the basilica, the air will be filled with the solemn chant of the Litany of Saints, led by the camerlengo at the front. Cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell, appointed by Pope Francis in 2019, currently serves in this important role.
In a departure from longstanding tradition, Pope Francis’s body will not be placed on an elevated bier. Instead, his simple wooden coffin will rest at floor level, facing the pews, with the Paschal candle standing nearby—a quiet but powerful symbol of faith and light.
As the world continues to mourn the loss of this beloved pope, it is these intimate, understated details—his humble wooden coffin and the stripped-back ceremony—that speak the loudest. In death, as in life, Pope Francis chose simplicity, compassion, and a deliberate break from tradition. It is these very choices that may ultimately define his legacy more profoundly than any grand procession ever could.
