Holding the utmost respect for the former Pope, the Vatican released heart-wrenching photos of him lying in an open casket, his final moments now captive in time.
Pope Francis, who led the Church from 2013 until his recent passing, died at the age of 88 on a quiet Monday morning. He now lies in his residence located at Vatican City, draped in a red martyr’s robe symbolizing love. With a rosary in one hand and a mitre on his head, he appears at ease, offering a final prayer for the Church that he gently cherished until his last moment.
These striking photographs remind the world of the mentally demanding yet emotionally overwhelming legacy the Pope left behind. To many, the images invite profound sorrow and reflection of the man posing with such a loving expression.
Bracing himself for a period of mourning, the Vatican prepares his body for the ‘final blessing’, not only to witness the final moments of the devoted servant of God, but the man who dedicated his life to love and faith.