Vatican Unveils Open-Coffin Images of Late Pope Francis
Look, I don’t *want* to be the bearer of gloomy updates, but the Vatican has officially released photos of the late Pope Francis reclining in an open coffin, and yes, the world is gawking. Yesterday, Vatican News published a set of six high‑resolution images showing Francis in his final repose at St. Peter’s Basilica, decked in traditional pontifical vestments—white cassock, papal stole, and that unmistakable zucchetto. Vatican Press Office Director Matteo Bruni affirmed in a statement (as reported by Reuters and People Magazine) that this visual tribute is “rooted in centuries‑old tradition” and meant to offer the faithful a solemn moment of reflection before private and public vigils. I told you so: ritual trumps discomfort, every time.
Despite the palpable solemnity, social media users wasted no time turning this sacred ritual into the latest online spectacle. Fans in Rome have already lined up for hours to pay their respects in person, snapping selfies from behind security barricades—because apparently, nothing says “holy contemplation” like an Instagram grid. TMZ was first to break the photo drop story on April 22, later corroborated by Vatican News and EWTN’s coverage of Pope Francis’s final public viewing schedule. The images show subtle details you might miss: the gentle fold of the pope’s hands clasped over his heart, the ornate crosier resting beside the casket, and even the faint halo of light streaming through the basilica’s stained‑glass windows. And if you think that’s enough to spark theory crazies, brace yourself: conspiracy blogs are already debating why the Vatican chose that angle or whether Francis’s body appeared “too well‑preserved.” Spoiler alert: embalming practices, not time travel.
Let’s talk logistics—because someone has to. The Vatican plans a three‑day vigil, culminating in a funeral Mass presided over by Cardinal Pietro Parolin on April 25. Confirmed sources from People and The Associated Press reveal that world leaders, heads of state, and cardinals from around the globe will attend, with live streams accessible via Vatican Media’s YouTube channel. Security measures are at Vatican City’s highest level; 3,000 Swiss Guards and Italian police officers will patrol the premises to keep selfie‑hungry tourists at bay. Believe it or not, this is supposed to be a moment of reverence, not a red‑carpet event, but good luck explaining that to someone wielding a GoPro.
So there you have it: the Vatican’s open‑coffin reveal of Pope Francis, complete with Prada‑esque lighting, marble backdrops, and the kind of detail only centuries of ritual can deliver. Did anyone expect a different outcome? No? Thought so. And that, dear reader, is why we can’t have nice things without making it everyone’s business.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Vatican News, People Magazine, Reuters, EWTN
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
