The details mark the first time the Vatican has disclosed how the Pope spent his final hours, ending speculation about the sudden nature of his passing.
Francis died in his bed on the second floor of the guesthouse he had chosen over the Apostolic Palace, a symbolic decision that captured the tone of his papacy from the outset: modest, personal, and close to the people.
Strappetti had long been one of his most trusted carers. Francis credited him with saving his life in 2021, when he persuaded the pontiff to undergo urgent colon surgery despite the Pope’s initial reluctance.
His death, which came just weeks after he was released after a 38-day stay in hospital, triggered a wave of mourning across the Catholic world, as Rome prepares for a major state and religious funeral on Saturday.
On Tuesday, the Vatican released the first images of Francis lying in an open casket inside the private chapel at Casa Santa Marta. Dressed in red liturgical vestments and a white mitre, his hands clasped around a rosary, the late Pope appeared peaceful in death, just as the Vatican said he had been in his final hours.
The Pope’s body will lie in state in St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday through Friday, with viewing open to the public beginning at 8am, Vatican time, on the first day, and continuing until midnight. On Thursday, the basilica will open from 7am to midnight and 7am to 7pm on Friday, ahead of the funeral Mass.
That service, to be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, dean of the College of Cardinals, will begin with a procession of clergy and the Pope’s coffin – a single wooden casket lined with zinc – in keeping with burial reforms introduced by Francis in 2024.
Unlike his predecessors, who were buried in three nested coffins and laid to rest beneath St Peter’s Basilica, Francis will be buried in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore – one of Rome’s oldest and most revered churches – honouring his personal request.
Pope Francis’s body is laid out inside his private chapel at the Vatican.Credit: AP
The basilica was a site of deep personal devotion for Francis, who visited frequently throughout his pontificate, often in moments of private prayer before major trips or turning points in the life of the Church.
Weather forecasts indicate clear skies and mild temperatures, with a high of 23 degrees and only a 10 per cent chance of rain.
Once the Mass concludes with the final commendation and valediction, the Vatican will begin the traditional nine days of mourning, known as the novemdiales.
Attention will then turn to the next stage of church leadership. Cardinal Re is expected to summon the College of Cardinals to Rome within 15 to 20 days to begin the conclave that will elect the next pope.
Loading
Dublin-born Cardinal Kevin Farrell, formerly Bishop of Dallas, has assumed control of the day-to-day administration of the Holy See as camerlengo, the Vatican official charged with overseeing Church operations between popes.
Farrell, 77, was appointed to the role by Francis in 2019. He is now the most senior figure in the Vatican until a new pope is elected, tasked with certifying the death of the pontiff, sealing the papal apartments, and preparing for the conclave that will choose Francis’ successor.
Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter.
#late #pontiff #raised #hand #farewell #falling #fatal #coma #Vatican #reveals
