Pope Francis passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88. Credit: Franco Origlia/Getty Images
A priest sparked outrage by performing a “disrespectful” act beside Pope Francis’ body at St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis died on Easter Monday at 88 after suffering a sudden stroke and heart failure.
The Vatican confirmed his passing was quick and painless, without suffering or alarm.
They described the moment as “discreet… almost sudden.”
Since his death, about 130,000 people have visited Vatican City to pay respects.
Among them was a Brazilian cleric with 115,000 Instagram followers.
He allegedly posted a selfie next to the Pope’s coffin with the caption, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis.”
This action sparked widespread outrage.
The Vatican responded by urging visitors to stop taking photos during the tribute.
“Visitors are invited not to take photos,” a Vatican spokesperson told The Times.
Another source added:
“They queue for hours, pray, and pay respects.
But taking pictures isn’t in good taste.”
Visitor Valerio Russo noticed stricter enforcement after early photo-taking.
“After people took photos at the start, officials began stopping them today,” he said.
“Good thing too – it’s a matter of respect.
This isn’t a show.
It’s a religious moment.”
Janine Venables traveled from Wales to attend.
She also saw visitors snapping selfies inside the Basilica.
“We were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel,” she said.
“But here people were taking selfies with the coffin.”
“I thought it was in poor taste.
I’m surprised no one stopped them.”
The Pope’s funeral is set for Saturday, April 26, in St. Peter’s Square.
After the ceremony, he will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major.
He chose this site to break from tradition and honor his devotion to Mary.
In his will, he wrote:
“I entrusted my life and ministry to Mary Most Holy.
So I ask to rest in the Basilica of St Mary Major,
awaiting the day of resurrection.”
He requested a simple tomb marked only “Franciscus.”
It will sit in the side nave near the Pauline Chapel, Salus Populi Romani Chapel, and Sforza Chapel.
An anonymous benefactor will cover all burial costs.
Cardinal Rolandas Makrickas is handling the arrangements.
Even in his final days, Pope Francis remained committed to his calling.
On Easter Sunday, he appeared in St. Peter’s Square to bless 35,000 people.
Despite his weak state, he insisted on attending.
He asked his aide, “Do you think I can manage it?”
Afterward, he said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.”
That evening, he shared a quiet dinner.
He also held a private meeting with U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance.
His final words were a soft “Thank you” to his nurse and longtime aide, Massimiliano Strappetti.
Shortly before he passed, he confided one regret to his doctor, Dr. Sergio Alfieri.
He wished he could have taken part in the Holy Thursday foot-washing ritual.
“It was meaningful to him,” Dr. Alfieri said.
The Church has now entered sede vacante, the period without a sitting Pope.
As millions mourn, Vatican officials continue to ask visitors to treat the moment with reverence.
They remind all: this is sacred—not a photo opportunity.
