Catholics around the world are expressing deep outrage and sorrow—not just over the death of Pope Francis—but also over what many are calling a shocking display of disrespect at his wake.
More than 128,000 mourners have made the pilgrimage to Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City since Wednesday, standing in line for up to eight hours to pay their final respects to the 88-year-old pontiff. But in the midst of the mourning, videos have emerged showing individuals taking selfies and recording videos next to the late Pope’s open casket—behavior that has stirred widespread indignation among the faithful.
In what should be a solemn moment of prayer and reflection, some visitors instead turned it into a social media spectacle. “Many come more to have their pictures taken than to pray for the pope,” one Spanish mourner told EFE. His sentiment echoes the growing concern that reverence and tradition are being eclipsed by the modern obsession with digital validation.
Martin and Catherine Gilsenan, a British couple visiting the Vatican, expressed dismay over the scene. “There were many people looking around and getting upset with those on the phones,” Martin said. “We have phones but we kept them in our pockets and afterwards found a spot inside the church for 15 minutes of quiet contemplation.”
Others were surprised that such behavior was tolerated at all. “No photos were allowed in the Sistine Chapel,” said Janine Venables of Wales, “and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin. I did think that was a bit in poor taste.”
The scandal worsened after a Brazilian priest was identified among those who posted a selfie with the Pope’s body on social media. While the Vatican has issued statements discouraging photos, one Vatican insider admitted to The Times that there’s “little else that can be done” once mourners are inside.
This modern-day irreverence strikes a chord particularly painful for traditional Catholics, who see it as another symptom of a culture that has lost its sense of the sacred.
Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, died Monday following a stroke. His coffin will be sealed on Friday evening before he is laid to rest on Saturday morning at the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, in accordance with his final wishes.
