A priest’s recent visit to see Pope Francis’ body has sparked some controversy.
Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 on Monday, April 21. Before his funeral, scheduled for tomorrow in St Peter’s Square, Vatican City, his body has been lying in state at St Peter’s Basilica.
People from all over the world have traveled to Italy to pay their last respects to the Pope. As reported by The Guardian on April 25, around 130,000 individuals had already passed by his coffin.
Among those who visited was a Brazilian priest who drew attention for his actions inside the basilica.
The priest, known to have 115,000 followers on Instagram, took a selfie with the body of Pope Francis, captioning it: “Rest in Peace Pope Francis.”
This priest isn’t the only one; others have also shared selfies with the Pope’s body on social media, a move the Vatican considers to be in ‘bad taste.’
In response to the issue of photography around the late Pope, a Vatican spokesperson advised via The Times: “Visitors are invited not to take photos.”
A Vatican source told the newspaper: “They are queuing for hours, praying, and paying their respects, but taking pictures is not in the best of taste.”
Valerio Russo, another visitor to see Pope Francis lying in rest, expressed disapproval over the actions he witnessed.
“After people took photos at the start, officials were stopping them today,” Russo remarked.
“Good thing too — it’s a matter of respect. This is not a show, it’s a religious moment.”
Echoing similar thoughts, Janine Venables from Wales commented to Mail Online about the situation: “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.”
“I did think that was a bit in poor taste and I’m surprised no one stopped them,” she added.
In addition to those visiting the Pope at St Peter’s Basilica, significant crowds are anticipated for Saturday’s funeral at St Peter’s Square.
Honoring the late Pope’s wishes, he will be laid to rest at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, deviating from the traditional papal burials in St Peter’s Basilica.
A Vatican spokesperson indicated that St Mary Major will likely close on Saturday afternoon for the arrival of the Pope’s remains post-funeral, but the site will reopen that evening for the rosary ceremony.