First photos of Pope Francis in his coffin show powerful message — and one humble detail stands out

The Vatican has released the first images of Pope Francis lying in his coffin, and one powerful detail is capturing global attention — his decision to break from tradition and embrace simplicity, even in death.

Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88 following complications from a stroke and heart failure, left a legacy of compassion, humility, and service. That same spirit shines through in the way he chose to be laid to rest.

From his plain wooden coffin to the absence of a grand public display, Pope Francis made sure his final moments reflected the values he stood for throughout his life. The Vatican confirmed that these choices were made according to his own wishes.

What’s in the Pope’s coffin?

On Tuesday, the world got its first glimpse of the late pontiff lying in repose. The images shared by the Vatican show Pope Francis in red vestments, a symbol of martyrdom and the sacrifice of Christ. A rosary is gently placed in his folded hands.

Also inside the coffin are:

• His mitre, the traditional papal headpiece
• His crozier, the pastoral staff used during religious ceremonies
• A collection of coins minted during his papacy, symbolizing his years of service
• A sealed document called a rogito, which records the major moments of his life and leadership
• The broken Fisherman’s Ring, destroyed to mark the end of his reign and prevent misuse

These items, steeped in symbolism, tell the story of a life dedicated to the church and its people.

A different kind of coffin

Perhaps the most talked-about detail is the coffin itself.

Unlike past popes who were buried in triple-layered coffins — often made of expensive materials like cypress, lead, and oak — Pope Francis requested a simple wooden coffin lined with zinc. This humble choice mirrors his lifelong focus on the poor and vulnerable.

The Pope also chose to be buried outside of the Vatican — a major departure from centuries of tradition. Instead of resting in the grotto beneath St. Peter’s Basilica, where most popes are entombed, he will be laid to rest at Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. It’s a location close to his heart, and one he had mentioned before as his preferred burial site.

The funeral for Pope Francis will take place on Saturday, April 26 at 10 AM local time in St. Peter’s Square. Before that, starting Wednesday, his body will lie in state in St. Peter’s Basilica for mourners to pay their respects.

In another break from tradition, the Pope’s body will not be placed on a raised platform. Instead, it will rest at floor level, facing the pews, with the Paschal candle nearby — a gentle symbol of Jesus’ resurrection and eternal light.

The Litany of Saints, a traditional Catholic chant, will be sung as the procession enters the basilica, with Cardinal Kevin Farrell, the camerlengo (or chamberlain), leading the ceremony.

In death, Pope Francis continues to inspire the world — not with wealth or power, but with humility and purpose. Every decision about his funeral reflects the heart of his leadership: a desire to serve rather than be served.

His choice to forgo the grand traditions of the past is a statement of values. It invites others — both inside and outside the Church — to think about what really matters. As one observer wrote on social media, “Even in death, he’s teaching us how to live.”

Pope Francis’s final goodbye is more than a funeral — it’s a reflection of a life spent standing with the poor, challenging the powerful, and living simply. While he may no longer walk among us, the choices he made — right up to the end — will echo through history.

His legacy isn’t just in what he did, but in how he did it: humbly, quietly, and always with love.