VATICAN- Pope Francis, the beloved reformist pontiff whose decade-long leadership reshaped the Catholic Church, is now lying in state at Casa Santa Marta—his humble residence within the Vatican—where the first images of his open coffin were released to the public Monday night.
In the quiet of the chapel where he lived, Francis rests in a crimson papal robe, with a rosary nestled in his hands and the mitre placed atop his head.
The scene was captured during the rite of certification of death, a solemn Vatican tradition held before sunrise, where his passing was officially confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The ceremony lasted just under an hour, marking the beginning of an elaborate and symbolic farewell process that the Vatican follows upon the death of a pope.
This morning, as the world awakens to the loss of a spiritual icon, cardinals convened inside the Vatican to set the date for Pope Francis’s funeral.
The meeting, which began at 9:00 a.m. Vatican time, also addressed plans to move his body to St. Peter’s Basilica, where thousands of mourners are expected to file past for a final glimpse and prayer.
The Vatican has yet to release the full funeral schedule, but more details are expected later Tuesday. What’s clear is that tradition will guide every step—from the funeral Mass to the burial.
If you’re following closely, the next big moment comes when the College of Cardinals—the Church’s most senior clergy—prepares for the conclave, the age-old process of choosing a new pope. Learn more about the conclave process here.
What Happens Next: Conclave Countdown and Who Votes
The death of a pope doesn’t just trigger mourning—it sets off a carefully choreographed political and spiritual process.
Within 15 to 20 days, the eligible cardinals will enter the Sistine Chapel—yes, that Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo’s ceiling—for the papal election known as the conclave (Latin for “with a key,” referring to the locked-door nature of the proceedings).
There are currently over 250 cardinals worldwide, representing more than 90 nations. But only about 135 cardinals under the age of 80 are allowed to vote.
Significantly, nearly 110 of those were appointed by Pope Francis himself, hinting that his legacy could very well shape the Church’s future direction.
Once all non-electors leave the room (with the iconic extra omnes! declaration), the doors shut tight—and the centuries-old ritual of selecting the next leader of over 1.3 billion Catholics begins.
A picture shows Pope Francis lying in an open coffin in the Vatican Photo/CourtesyA picture shows Pope Francis lying in an open coffin in the Vatican Photo/Courtesy
As red vestments, whispered prayers, and candlelight fill the Vatican’s sacred halls, the world watches a page turn in Catholic history.
Pope Francis, known for championing humility, inclusion, and justice, may be gone—but the vision he cast is still very much alive in the halls of the Church and the hearts of his global flock.
Whether you’re Catholic or not, this moment is more than tradition—it’s transformation in motion.
