Pope Francis has been pictured in open casket as the Vatican has confirmed details for the pontiff's funeral.
Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican's Secretary of State, was pictured standing alongside the body of Pope Francis during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence.
The rite confirming Francis' death and the placement of his body in the coffin took place last night at the Chapel of Santa Marta.
A spokesman from The Vatican has confirmed the funeral will take place on Saturday April 27, at 9am GMT.
The body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican
REUTERS
The Pope's body will now go on display at St Peter's Basilica for public viewing.
The Argentinian, who made history as the Vatican's first Latin American pontiff, had been hospitalised for 38-days after suffering a bout of double pneumonia.
Despite being discharged on March 23 and later blessing crowds in the Holy See on Easter Sunday, the Vatican confirmed his passing yesterday morning.
Cardinal Kevin Ferrell, the Vatican camerlengo, said in a statement: "At 7.35am this morning (yesterday), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the home of the Father.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
A rosary is seen as the body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican
REUTERS
"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church."
Francis's death plunged 1.4 billion Catholics across the world into a state of mourning.
The late Pope also made a rather humble request ahead of his death.
Francis's testament said: "Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the, mother of our lord, the blessed Virgin Mary.
The body of Pope Francis is placed in an open casket during the rite of the declaration of death in Santa Marta residence at the Vatican
REUTERS
Cardinals arrive at the Vatican, following the death of Pope Francis, as seen from Rome, Italy
REUTERS
"For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the resurrection, in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
"I wish my final earthly journey to end precisely in this ancient Marian sanctuary, where I would always stop to pray at the beginning and end of every apostolic journey, confidently entrusting my intentions to the Immaculate Mother, and giving thanks for her gentle and maternal care."
Paying tribute to Pope Francis, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: "I join millions around the world in grieving the death of His Holiness Pope Francis.
"His leadership in a complex and challenging time for the world and the church was courageous, yet always came from a place of deep humility."
King Charles added: "His Holiness will be remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."
