Outrage as pics of mourners taking selfies, smiling beside Pope Francis' open casket in Vatican go viral

VATICAN CITY, VATICAN: What was meant to be a solemn goodbye to Pope Francis has turned into a flashpoint of controversy as mourners are being criticized for snapping selfies beside his open casket.

Thousands gathered at Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, where the 88-year-old Pontiff lies in state, but some attendees have been labeled “sick” and “distasteful” for turning the sacred occasion into a social media moment, Radar Online reported.

Mourners slammed for taking selfies with late Pope Francis' open casket

Images circulating online show visitors posing with the pope’s body in the background, dressed in his traditional papal attire and resting in a wooden casket on a raised platform.

The viral photos have drawn sharp condemnation from the faithful, with many questioning the lack of enforcement of decorum in such a holy setting.

“What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel, and here people were getting their phones out and doing selfies with the coffin,” one visitor remarked. “I did think that was a bit in poor taste, and I'm surprised no one stopped them.”

A Vatican insider commented, “It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect, but there's little else that can be done.”

Others, however, defended the visitors. Matheus Silva, a 27-year-old visitor from Argentina, said he felt proud to honor the first pope to openly support the LGBTQ+ community, saying, “The first Pope who spoke up for gay people like me.”

“Others were doing the same, and I’m happy to share them,” he shared.

The controversy comes just days before Pope Francis’ funeral, scheduled for Saturday, April 26, in St Peter’s Square. An estimated 250,000 people are expected to attend, including high-profile figures such as Prince William, President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The service will be led by Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who will deliver the final commendation for the beloved pontiff.

Outrage as mourners take selfies with Pope Francis’ open casket

The moment, caught during public visiting hours, quickly sparked backlash, with many criticizing it as yet another sign of declining respect in places meant to be sacred.

One user wrote, “Respect is gone.” Another added, “Gross. I genuinely can’t stand social media. I think it has had a horrific impact on humanity.”

Disappointment seemed to echo across platforms. “I wish I could say I’m surprised, but I’m not,” one wrote, while another added, “Zero respect! None from these people.”

Another user commented, “Social media has destroyed a lot of sacred things in the world.”

One user summed up the unease many felt watching the events unfold: “I was watching footage of crowds waiting in line and it crossed my mind that surely nobody would be disrespectful enough to try and get a selfie.”

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