Vatican urges mourners to respect Pope Francis during lying-in-state
- Since the public viewing initiated, over 250,000 individuals have paid respects to Pope Francis at St. Peter's Basilica.
- Vatican officials have addressed concerns over disrespectful behavior, specifically the taking of selfies near the pontiff's body.
- The Vatican emphasizes the need for solemnity and respect, leading to instructions for visitors to refrain from using mobile phones.
In the days following the passing of Pope Francis, his body lay in state at St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City. Since the start of public viewings, approximately 250,000 mourners have paid their respects, with the viewing beginning Wednesday and concluding Friday. Despite the solemn atmosphere, many visitors attempted to take selfies with the pontiff’s body, prompting criticism and concern over respectfulness during this period of mourning. In response, Vatican officials emphasized the importance of maintaining a dignified environment, urging the public to observe the occasion with reflection rather than capturing images. Vatican officials noted a significant uptick in visitors capturing moments on their mobile phones as they queued to pay their last respects. This behavior drew widespread ire on social media platforms, as many comments condemned the actions as disrespectful. Recognizing the need for a more controlled atmosphere, the Vatican implemented measures to redirect focus back to solemnity and respect during this grieving period. As the body of Pope Francis lay in state, the basilica opened its doors overnight to accommodate the throngs of mourners. Vatican City has historically maintained strict guidelines regarding the privacy and dignity surrounding the deceased Pontiff, reinforcing these rules as technology evolves. In line with previous papal deaths, it remains a directive that photographs should only be permitted under the authorization of the camerlengo for documentary purposes. The funeral of Pope Francis is scheduled for Saturday morning and will take place at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore, attended by world leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of the faithful. The ceremony reflects centuries of tradition, blending public tribute with private mourning. As such, the Vatican aims to preserve the dignity and legacy of the late pope, while ensuring that the process of saying goodbye aligns with the values of respect and solemnity.