What should have been a deeply solemn and reflective occasion has, for some, turned into a social media frenzy.
As thousands gather in Vatican City to honor the late Pope Francis during his lying-in-state at St. Peter’s Basilica, the atmosphere has been marred by a surprising trend—selfies at the casket.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, is being honored with a three-day lying-in-state ritual.
While around 50,000 people have respectfully come to pay their last respects, some attendees have sparked outrage by turning the event into a photo-op.
Disrespect Amid Devotion
Among the sea of mourners, several were seen raising phones, capturing images of the Pope’s body dressed in red robes and laid in a simple wooden coffin.
One widely criticized photo showed a woman smiling with the casket clearly visible in the background, just a few feet away.
Many faithful who waited for hours—some reportedly up to eight—expressed disappointment at what they called “disrespectful” behavior.
“We came here for a final moment of reflection,” one mourner said, “not to watch people ignore the sacredness of this moment for likes and attention.”
Even though officials did not officially prohibit photography, guards were seen asking people to put their phones away.
The hope was to preserve the reverent atmosphere, but images of people extending selfie sticks over the crowd told another story.
A Sea of Screens, Not Silence
Photos released from the first day of the Pope’s public viewing showed a crowd where phones were more prominent than folded hands.
The solemnity of the occasion was often drowned out by the hum of smartphones snapping away.
Even nuns—typically symbols of quiet reflection—were photographed with phones in hand.
The relentless picture-taking meant many mourners had only a fleeting, and distracted, moment with the late Pontiff.
Though visitors were reminded to leave selfie sticks and phones in their pockets, the allure of capturing the moment seemed too strong for some.
Leaders Pay Tribute, Crowds Keep Growing
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among those who visited to pay respects in a more traditional manner.
She praised the Pope’s humility and his ability to connect deeply with people from all walks of life.
“He had a way of seeing right through to your soul,” she shared with Parliament earlier that day.
As of yesterday evening, the lines outside the Basilica stretched for hours—three, even five—despite the Basilica remaining open overnight to accommodate the influx of visitors.
Security has been heightened in the area, with police patrols and bag checks at key points as the Vatican prepares for Saturday’s grand funeral.
Final Farewell and the Path Ahead
Saturday’s funeral is expected to draw a massive crowd, including global leaders and dignitaries.
The Prince of Wales will attend on behalf of the King, alongside other world figures such as US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Pope Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St. Mary Major in Rome—a departure from the traditional burial site of St. Peter’s Basilica, in line with his wishes.
After the funeral, the attention of the Catholic world will turn toward selecting his successor.
Cardinals eligible to vote—those under 80—will gather for a conclave that will begin between 15 to 20 days after the Pope’s passing.
Until then, a traditional nine-day mourning period, known as the novemdiales, will take place.
A Final Act of Grace
Even in his final hours, Pope Francis showed his resilience.
Despite health concerns and doctor’s orders to rest, he chose to greet the faithful one last time on Easter Sunday, smiling and blessing children from his popemobile.
As the world prepares to say goodbye, many reflect not only on his leadership and boldness but also on the very human moments he shared with them.
The question remains—how will we choose to remember him: with reverence, or with a selfie?