The Vatican has released poignant photographs documenting the final hours of Pope Francis’s life, capturing a deeply symbolic farewell as he lies in an open coffin within the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta. The images, taken by BBC News’ Visual Journalism team, offer a glimpse into the intimate setting where Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Pope’s ‘camerlengo’ or chamberlain and current head of the Vatican administration, performed the rite of declaration of death in the presence of a select group of cardinals. Cardinal Farrell, dressed in his redmozzetta and cassock, solemnly blessed the body of the late pontiff, who was adorned in his papal robes, holding a rosary and wearing the distinctive papal mitre – a large white ceremonial headdress – alongside a simple silver ring gifted to him during his inauguration. This ring, symbolizing his office, is traditionally destroyed by the camerlengo as a safeguard against misuse, though Pope Francis frequently opted for the more modest silver ring adorned with a cross.
A significant departure from past papal traditions, Pope Francis requested burial in a simple wooden casket rather than the elaborate three-layered cypress, lead, and oak coffins previously employed. This decision reflects his commitment to humility and simplicity, qualities that defined his papacy. He will remain in the open coffin for the period of lying in state, a stark contrast to previous practices where deceased popes were laid on cushioned platforms. The chapel itself is located within the Casa Santa Marta, a residential complex housing over 100 modest rooms constructed in 1996 and designed to offer a more approachable living space for the Pope.
The chapel’s architecture incorporates deliberate symbolism related to Christian doctrine. Triangular shapes are prominent throughout – in the ceiling construction and floor tiles – representing the Holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Above the coffin hangs an inscription in Latin, translated as “Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful,” a prayer invoking divine guidance for the church during this transition.
The Vatican’s Swiss Guard, who have provided security to the Pope since 1506 – when Julius II first employed them – continue their duty guarding the body. Following his repose in the Casa Santa Marta chapel until Wednesday morning, Pope Francis’s remains will be transferred to St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing before his funeral on Saturday. This procession will begin at 09:00 local time, and mourners will have the opportunity to pay their respects during a period of open-casket viewing.
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