A priest has sparked outrage for "disrespectful" act with Pope Francis’ body as it lies in state at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88, following a sudden stroke that led to irreversible heart failure.
His death came quickly, and according to the Vatican, “he did not suffer,” describing the moment as “discreet … almost sudden, without long suffering or public alarm," per by PEOPLE.
In the days since, around 130,000 mourners have made their way to Vatican City to pay their respects. Among them was an unnamed Brazilian cleric, who reportedly has 115,000 Instagram followers and allegedly posted a selfie beside the Pope’s coffin, captioning it: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis.”
The incident has been widely condemned, with the Vatican urging visitors to refrain from taking photos during the religious tribute.
“Visitors are invited not to take photos,” a Vatican spokesperson told The Times, while another source added: “They are queuing for hours, praying and paying their respects, but taking pictures is not in the best of taste.”
Valerio Russo, a visitor to the Basilica, described how officials had begun enforcing a photo ban more strictly after seeing people misbehave.
“After people took photos at the start, officials were stopping them today,” he said. “Good thing too - it’s a matter of respect. This is not a show, it’s a religious moment.”
Janine Venables, who traveled from Wales, echoed those sentiments after witnessing people snapping selfies inside the Basilica.
“What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin,” she told Daily Mail. “I did think that was a bit in poor taste and I’m surprised no one stopped them."
The pope's funeral is set to take place on Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square.
Following the service, the pontiff will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major, honoring his personal wishes to break with tradition and not be buried in St. Peter’s.
In his final will and testament, the Pope wrote: “I have always entrusted my life and my priestly and episcopal ministry to the Mother of Our Lord, Mary Most Holy. Therefore, I ask that my mortal remains rest awaiting the day of resurrection in the Papal Basilica of St Mary Major.”
He requested a simple tomb bearing only the name “Franciscus,” located in the niche of the side nave between the Pauline Chapel, the Chapel of the Salus Populi Romani, and the Sforza Chapel.
His burial costs are to be covered by an anonymous benefactor, with arrangements managed by Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas.
In his final days, Pope Francis remained committed to his ministry. On Easter Sunday, he made a final appearance to bless over 35,000 worshippers in St. Peter’s Square.
Despite his weakened state, he insisted on attending, asking his aide, “Do you think I can manage it?” Afterward, he said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”
That evening, he dined quietly and held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance before retiring. His final words, spoken the previous day, were a quiet “Thank you” to his nurse and longtime aide, Massimiliano Strappetti.
Before his death, Pope Francis also shared one heartfelt regret with his doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri: missing the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual - a humble tradition he deeply valued. “It was meaningful to him,” Dr. Alfieri noted.
The Catholic Church has now entered sede vacante, the period of vacancy until a new pontiff is elected.
As millions prepare to say goodbye to a leader who championed peace, humility, and the marginalized, Vatican officials are reminding visitors that this moment is sacred - not a photo opportunity.