Vatican releases pictures of Pope Francis lying in open casket as funeral details confirmed

Belfast Telegraph - 22/04
The Vatican has released pictures of Pope Francis in his open casket ahead of his funeral this weekend.

The casket has been laid out in state inside the late pontiff’s private chapel and will be taken into St Peter's Basilica for public viewing later today.

One of the images shows Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praying in front of the late pope’s body.

Catholic church cardinals have met in the Vatican to make arrangements for the funeral which will take place on Saturday, April 26, at 10am local time.

The camerlengo – and Dublin-born American interim head of the church – Cardinal Kevin Farrell and three assistants will ensure the pope's "Fisherman's Ring" and his lead seal are broken so that they cannot be used by anyone else.

Cardinals to meet for first time since Pope’s death to confirm funeral details

Read more

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  • Warm, extrovert and compassionate, Pope Francis gave such a human face to the papacy
  • King wears black tie in Pope’s honour as he reflects on pontiff’s legacy

Mourning rites are expected to last nine days.

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