As thousands gathered in Vatican City to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, a wave of criticism has emerged over mourners snapping selfies beside the late pontiff’s open casket.
Following his death at the age of 88 on Easter Monday, Pope Francis’ body was transferred to St. Peter’s Basilica, where it will lie in state for three days before his funeral on Saturday. So far, more than 50,000 people have visited the basilica to say goodbye. But while many came in reverence, others used the sacred moment to capture photos, some even taking selfies with the pope’s body in the background.
One now-viral image posted on Instagram shows a woman smiling at the camera, with Francis’ body (dressed in his red papal robes and white mitre, holding a rosary) clearly visible about ten feet behind her. His simple wooden coffin rests on a raised platform, surrounded by mourners and a sea of smartphone screens.
Though the Vatican did not officially ban photography inside the basilica, security guards were reportedly seen discouraging people from taking pictures, especially selfies.
“It was a bit in poor taste,” Janine Venables, 53, who travelled from Pontypridd, South Wales, told the Daily Mail. “Earlier, we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel. But here, people had their phones out, taking selfies with the coffin. I’m surprised no one stopped them.”
Her husband, Paul Taylor, echoed the sentiment: “I asked someone in the queue what Pope Francis would have thought, and they said, ‘He’d probably tell you not to waste time here, go help someone in need.’ And they were probably right.”
A Vatican source, speaking anonymously, added: “It would be good if people could remember where they are and show some respect, but there’s only so much we can do.”
For many mourners, the experience was tainted by the constant flash of phone cameras and the din of social media documentation. “We kept our phones in our pockets the whole time,” said one woman. “It was sad to see such disrespectful behaviour. It ruined what should’ve been a moment of quiet reflection.”
Official images released by the Vatican showed the crowd surrounding the coffin, with many lifting their phones – and even selfie sticks – into the air to get a better shot. Nuns were also seen photographing the late pontiff, highlighting just how pervasive phone culture has become, even during deeply spiritual rites.
Despite expectations that the basilica would close at midnight, it remained open through the night to accommodate the growing crowds. By late Wednesday evening, wait times reportedly reached up to five hours.
Among those who came to pay their respects was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Speaking earlier in Parliament, she praised Pope Francis’ courage, warmth, and humour – recalling his advice to her: “Never lose your sense of humour.”
Security around Vatican City has been stepped up ahead of Saturday’s funeral, with police patrols, bag checks, and crowd control measures in place. Large international crowds are expected to gather in St. Peter’s Square, including prominent global figures such as the Prince of Wales (representing King Charles), Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, U.S. President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Irish leaders Micheál Martin and Michael D. Higgins.
In a break from papal tradition, Francis will not be buried at St. Peter’s Basilica but instead at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome, as per his personal wishes.
His funeral will mark the start of the nine-day mourning period known as novemdiales, which will run until May 4. The conclave to elect his successor will begin between 15 and 20 days after his passing, with 135 cardinals under the age of 80 eligible to vote.
Pope Francis’ death brings to a close a 12-year papacy defined by humility, advocacy for the poor, and a progressive message that, while deeply admired by many, drew criticism from conservative factions within the Church.
Even in his final hours, the pope remained committed to connecting with people. On Easter Sunday, just a day before his death, he rode through St. Peter’s Square in the popemobile, blessing crowds and kissing babies despite being visibly fatigued and under medical advice to rest.
Now, as the Church prepares for the next chapter, faithful around the world remember a leader who was, above all, human – and who urged others to be the same.
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