Images of Pope Francis’s body inside a coffin have been released as mourners flock to the Vatican to pay their respects.
The pontiff can be seen lying in his vestments with a rosary clasped between his fingers as guards stand beside his body.
The 88-year-old’s death was announced yesterday morning, with the Catholic Church revealing he suffered a stroke and a cardiac arrest.
His final testament reveals he wants to be buried in a simple underground tomb.
Some of his testament reads: ‘As I sense the approaching twilight of my earthly life, and with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.
‘Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the, mother of our lord, the blessed Virgin Mary.
‘For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
‘I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.’
Pope Francis could be lying in state inside St Peter’s Basilica from Wednesday, according to the Vatican and Italian media.
Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesman, said: ‘The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning.’
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