Pope Francis pictured in open coffin in The Vatican (2025)

The 88-year-old passed away on Easter Monday after battling illness for months.

Pope Francis' body has been pictured in an open coffin for the first time as Vatican funeral preparations begin.

The 88-year-old passed away on Easter Monday after battling illness for months. The pontiff has been laid out in an open coffin at the Vatican for the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony.

The placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta, according to the Mirror. Images released show the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praying in front of the body of Pope Francis, which was laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican.

His death was confirmed on Monday just hours after he blessed Easter Crowds at the Vatican the previous day.

A statement released by Cardinal Kevin Farrell read: “At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church.

“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for the poorest and most marginalised.

"With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite, merciful love of God, One and Tribune.″

The Pope's cause of death was confirmed as stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure.

He has been remembered as someone full of compassion, mercy and “irrepressible hope”.

Mourners gathered in their thousands to honour the late pontiff yesterday with crowds spilling onto the streets of Rome and the Vatican City.

At a mass in London in the Pope's honour was also held on Monday evening, the leader of Catholics in England and Wales said while there is a "sadness of loss", there remains a "confidence of faith and hope".

Cardinal Vincent Nichols told worshippers at Westminster Cathedral: "We know a voice has fallen silent, a voice that's been heard in every corner of the world, a voice of warm encouragement and sharp challenge, expressing both the love of God and a deep love of our shared humanity.

"This voice is silent, for a more authoritative voice has spoken - that of his heavenly father, calling him home to be with his lord and master forever."

First Minister John Swinney posted a tribute on X, which said: "It is with deep sadness I heard the news this morning of the death of Pope Francis. He was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation in our society. He brought comfort, assurance and hope to many. May he Rest in Peace."

The pontiff became pope in 2013 after his predecessor Benedict XVI resigned.

As the first pope from the Americas, and the first non-European for more than 1,200 years, his election in 2013 was a hugely symbolic moment.

Already 76-years-old when he ascended the throne of St Peter, he had been preparing for retirement having missed out following the death of Pope John Paul II eight years earlier.