Mourners taking pictures of Pope Francis' open casket criticized. Here's what the Vatican has to say
Not every moment should be documented.
Pope Francis' body arrived at Saint Peter's Basilica to lie in state in an open wooden coffin, ahead of his funeral on April 26. As faithful mourners gathered to pay their respects, some individuals took pictures and selfies with his open casket.
According to The New York Post, at least one user on Instagram had posted a selfie of herself with Francis' open casket in the background.
Inside Edition even captured footage of a nun taking a photograph of the pope's body.
Because of this, some online users have voiced their displeasure over the act, underscoring how "disrespectful" and "inappropriate" it is.
"People can pay their respects to Pope Francis with prayers, not by taking a selfie or video of a Holy Man’s dead body. Let him lay in peace 'till he’s buried, it’s just inappropriate to take selfies, pictures, or videos of the dead," one user posted on X.
Another said, "Have some respect for an incredible man please. I think it’s disrespectful to take a photo of Pope Francis in his coffin and absolutely disgraceful to take a selfie. I have never seen this at any funeral I have attended! Stop please."
While the Vatican has not released an official statement, a representative from the state told ABC that taking pictures of, or with, the deceased pontiff was "frowned upon."
A Vatican spokesperson also told LBC that "visitors are invited not to take photos."
Francis passed away on April 21 at age 88 after suffering a stroke, coma, and heart failure.
His funeral on Saturday is expected to draw huge crowds and leaders from across the globe. The coffin will then be taken back inside before being taken to Rome's basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore for burial.
