Pope Francis’s body is lying in a wooden casket at the Chapel of Santa Marta in Vatican City.
Honoring his personal wishes, his remains have been placed in a wooden casket rather than on a bier, which had been used for previous popes’ funerals.
He also requested a modest wooden coffin lined with zinc, choosing simplicity over the traditional trio of cypress, lead, and oak caskets.
The Vatican released the images of the body of the late Pope in an open coffin during the official death certification rite held in the Casa Santa Marta chapel.
Cardinal Farrell oversaw the hour-long ceremony where the death declaration was read and validated.
Preparations are underway for the public viewing of the coffin in Saint Peter’s Basilica, with details expected later today, Tuesday.
The selection process for the next Pope will involve the College of Cardinals, who will convene in a conclave in the Sistine Chapel to elect Francis’s successor.
