Selfies with Pope Francis? Vatican Issues Plea.

The Vatican has issued a plea to mourners visiting St. Peter’s Basilica to refrain from taking selfies and photographs as they pay their respects to the late Pope Francis. Despite hours-long waits to view the pontiff lying in state, officials were compelled to release a statement addressing instances of disrespectful behavior captured on video and social media.

Nearly 130,000 people have filed past the casket this week, with CNN footage showing the majority observing a moment of quiet reflection and prayer. However, some visitors were observed holding up cell phones to photograph the remains, prompting widespread criticism online. A TikTok video showcasing individuals posing for selfies near the coffin drew particularly sharp rebuke, with one comment labeling the actions “so disrespectful.”

Church officials responded Thursday, clarifying a 1996 directive that prohibits photography and video recording of the pope on his sickbed or after death, except in specific documentary circumstances authorized by the camerlengo. While the rule predates the ubiquity of smartphone cameras, officials felt compelled to reiterate the expectation of reverence given the current technological landscape.

The need to issue a reminder underscores a growing tension between public mourning in the digital age and the preservation of dignity and respect for the deceased. While documenting personal experiences is commonplace, the setting of a solemn religious observance demands a degree of sensitivity often lost in the pursuit of a photograph.

Pope Francis will remain lying in state until Friday, with his funeral and burial scheduled for Saturday at the church of Santa Maria Maggiore. The event is expected to be attended by a diverse group of world leaders and prominent figures.