THE Vatican has released pictures showing Pope Francis inside an open coffin during the rite of confirmation of the Pontiff’s death.

The leader of the Catholic Church, 88, died from a cerebral stroke and subsequent irreversible heart failure, the Vatican revealed 12 hours after his passing was announced.

The rite confirming Francis’ death and the placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta, the Vatican has said. 

The coffin would now be taken into St Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.

Pope Francis’ death has plunged 1.4billion Catholics across the globe into mourning.

The pontiff had been hospitalised for weeks at the Gemelli hospital in Rome earlier this year after suffering a bout of bronchitis and double pneumonia.

He was discharged on March 23 after the 38-day stay and was able to bless crowds of worshippers on Easter Sunday.

But just hours later, Vatican officials announced the leader of the Catholic Church had passed away.

The cerebral stroke led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, a death certificate released by the Vatican said, 12 hours after the pope’s death was announced.

Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in a statement: “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.”

The pontiff’s spiritual testament has since been released, dated 29 June 2022, revealing his wishes to be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in simple, underground tomb.

Some of his testament reads: “Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the, mother of our lord, the blessed Virgin Mary. 

“For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest – awaiting the day of the resurrection – in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

“I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care.”

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