Pope Francis Lies in State: First Images Released as Global Leaders Prepare for Farewell

The world caught its first glimpse of Pope Francis after his passing as photos were released Tuesday, showing him lying in a wooden casket dressed in his signature red vestments and bishop’s miter. The solemn scene unfolded in the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta hotel, the Pope’s longtime residence, with the Vatican Secretary of State offering prayers nearby.

Cardinals convened for an initial meeting in the synod hall, setting the stage for the next conclave. They scheduled the funeral for Saturday at 10 a.m. in St. Peter’s Square, with Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, set to lead the ceremony. Starting Wednesday, the faithful will be able to file past Francis’ casket in St. Peter’s Basilica to pay their respects.

Among the expected attendees are U.S. President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump, who both plan to be present at the funeral—despite an occasionally rocky relationship with the Vatican. Argentine President Javier Milei will also make the journey, honoring the first pope from Argentina.

Pope Francis died Monday morning at 88, following a stroke that led to heart failure. His death closed a remarkable 12-year chapter as the 266th pope and the spiritual leader of the Roman Catholic Church. His health had been wavering for some time; after struggling with chronic lung disease and multiple hospitalizations, Francis made one final public appearance on Easter Sunday, delivering a blessing and greeting the crowds from his popemobile.

That final blessing took place in the same spot where, back in 2013, Francis was introduced as the first pope from the Americas—a full-circle moment that seems straight out of a scriptwriter’s notebook.

Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, head of the Italian bishops’ conference and a contender to be the next pope, paid tribute: "He gave himself to the end... to go out to meet everyone, speak to everyone, teach us to speak to everyone, to bless everyone."

The outpouring of remembrance has extended far beyond Rome’s walls. The Empire State Building in New York glowed gold and white to honor Francis, a gesture that proves even the Big Apple can pause for a spiritual moment.

According to his will, Francis will be laid to rest at St. Mary Major basilica, outside the Vatican, beside his favorite icon of the Virgin Mary. He visited the basilica as recently as March, laying flowers and praying before the Madonna—a poignant farewell from a pope who always made time for personal devotion, even in the midst of global headlines.