First Images of the Late Pope Emeritus Published by Vatican

The Vatican has published the first images of Pope Francis after his passing, reports The Telegraph. The photographs depict the pontiff in his coffin.

Announcement of Pope Francis's death was made on April 21. The cause of death was reported as a stroke. The 88-year-old pontiff passed away at the Casa Santa Marta residence in the Vatican.

At 9:45 AM local time, Cardinal Kevin Farrell announced the death of Pope Francis. “Dear brothers and sisters, it is with great sadness that I must inform you of the death of our Holy Father, Francis. Today at 07:35 AM, Bishop Francis of Rome returned to the Father’s house. He dedicated his entire life to serving the Lord and His Church,” reads Cardinal Farrell's statement.

It is noteworthy that the Catholic leader had been hospitalized due to double pneumonia since February 14 and spent more than a month in the hospital. After being discharged, his health continued to be complicated.