Pope Francis lies in an open casket ahead of Saturday funeral

STORY: :: The Vatican releases a video of the Pope lying in an open wooden coffin

:: His funeral will be held on Saturday at St. Peter's Basilica

:: April 22, 2025

:: Vatican City

The clergy watched on as nuns sang prayers over the wooden coffin decorated with red cloth.

In a break from tradition, Francis confirmed in his final testament released on Monday (April 21) that he wished to be buried in Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major and not St. Peter's Basilica.

His body could be moved to St. Peter's Basilica as early as Wednesday (April 26) morning for the faithful to visit, the Vatican said.