The holy items inside Pope Francis’ casket

The photos of Pope Francis lying lifeless in his coffin reveal far more than meets the eye — and every detail tells a story.

From the untraditional casket to the personal items placed alongside his body, the late pontiff’s final resting display breaks centuries of Vatican tradition — by his own request.

As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, his coming burial will reflect the very values he championed throughout his life. Known for his simplicity, humility, and unwavering care for the marginalized, Pope Francis’s final resting place is a powerful testament to the legacy he leaves behind.

What’s inside the Pope’s casket?
On Tuesday, the Vatican shared the first powerful images of Pope Francis lying in repose. The photos revealed the meaningful items placed with him for his final journey.

His coffin, watched over by ceremonial guards, stood quietly as Vatican officials and members of his household gathered for a private and respectful goodbye.

In the photos released, Francis lies in an open casket dressed in red vestments — a color symbolizing martyrdom and the blood of Christ. A rosary is gently folded into his hands.

His coffin is a modest wooden structure lined with zinc, reflecting his commitment to humility. The traditional papal farewell, where the Pope’s body would be placed on a catafalque inside St. Peter’s Basilica for public mourning, has also been abandoned.