People pay tribute to Pope Francis at St Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, April 23, 2025. © AP / Gregorio Borgia
Vatican officials called on the mourners to refrain from taking pictures with the late Pope Francis while lying exhibited in St. Peter's Basilica, stressing the request for seriousness and respect during mourning.
The appeal was filed after photos and videos of visitors posing at the coffin appeared on the Internet.Vatican workers instructed the faithful to refrain from utilizing mobile phones and preserve the atmosphere of prayer and reflection.“Visitors are asked not to take pictures” said the Vatican spokesperson for The Times, stressing the importance of maintaining the dignity of opportunity.Since the beginning of public viewing on Wednesday, about 250,000 mourners have passed alongside the coffin of the late pope, according to Vatican News.To accommodate immense crowds, St Peter's Basilica remained open all night.On Friday evening, the Pope's coffin was sealed during a private ceremony led by Cardinal-Kamerling Kevin Farrell.
According to centuries-old tradition, a white silk fabric was placed on the face of Pope Francis, and a bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was inserted into the coffin.
His coffin was sealed, with a cross, coat of arms and authoritative Vatican seals, as part of preparations for a ceremony scheduled for Saturday morning.Thousands will attend the funeral, including planet leaders and dignitaries, paying tribute to the 266th Pope, whose memory, as the Vatican said, "remains in the heart of the Church and of all mankind."
Translated by Google Translator
source:https://www.rt.com/news/616341-vatican-pope-francis-selfies/
