The Vatican has released the first photos that show Pope Francis lying in state after the head of the Catholic church died on Easter Monday.

"It's almost akin to losing a family member." As the Pope died on Easter Monday, he explained the church's prayers for the following week, the Easter Octave, were already set in stone and could not be changed drastically.

Urbi et orbi” means “To the city [of Rome] and to the world.” It is a special apostolic blessing given by the pope every year on Easter Sunday, Christmas, and other special occasions.