Vatican asks mourners to stop taking selfies with Pope Francis

Officials urged visitors to be respectful as the late pontiff lied in state at St. Peter’s Basilica

Vatican officials urged mourners to refrain from taking photographs with the late Pope Francis as he lied in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, stressing the need for solemnity and respect during the period of mourning.

The appeal came after images and videos surfaced online showing visitors posing near the casket. Vatican staff instructed the faithful to refrain from using mobile phones and to maintain an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.

“Visitors are invited not to take photos,” a Vatican spokesperson told The Times, underscoring the importance of preserving the dignity of the occasion.

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Since the public viewing began on Wednesday, around 250,000 mourners filed past the late pope’s casket, according to Vatican News. To accommodate the vast crowds, St. Peter’s Basilica remained open overnight.

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On Friday evening, the Pope’s coffin was sealed during a private ceremony led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell. Following a centuries-old tradition, a white silk cloth was placed over Pope Francis’ face, and a bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was placed inside the coffin. His casket was sealed, bearing a cross, his coat of arms, and official Vatican seals, in preparation for the funeral scheduled for Saturday morning.

The funeral will be attended by thousands of people, including world leaders and dignitaries, paying tribute to the 266th Pope, whose memory, the Vatican said, “remains in the heart of the Church and of all humanity.”