PHOTOS: Pope Francis pictured in open coffin as Vatican funeral preparations begin

Pope Francis’ body has been pictured in an open coffin for the first time as Vatican funeral preparations begin. The 88-year-old, who died on Easter Monday, has been laid out in an open coffin at the Vatican for the Confirmation of the Death of the Pontiff ceremony. The placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta, according to the Vatican. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the Vatican camerlengo, conducted the official declaration of death in a ceremony lasting under an hour. 

The first images released show the Vatican Secretary of State Cardinal Pietro Parolin praying in front of the body of Pope Francis, which was laid out in state inside his private chapel at the Vatican. They showed him in a wooden casket, in red vestments and his bishop’s miter. The Vatican said Francis died of a stroke that put him into a coma and led his heart to fail.