Priest Slammed for Handling Pope Francis’ Body Disrespectfully

As the world gathered to bid farewell to Pope Francis, a figure renowned for his humility and progressive views, an unexpected controversy emerged—selfies with the late pontiff’s body.​

A Brazilian priest is now being slammed for disrespecting Pope Francis’ body. Here is what we know so far.

A Moment of Reflection or a Photo Opportunity With the Pope?

Pope Francis, who passed away at 88 on April 21, 2025, is lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica. The Vatican opened its doors to mourners wishing to pay their respects, with over 130,000 visitors reported by April 25.

However, the solemnity of the occasion was disrupted when a Brazilian priest, boasting 115,000 Instagram followers, took a selfie beside the Pope’s body. He captioned it, “Rest in Peace Pope Francis.” This act, along with similar behaviors from other attendees, sparked widespread criticism and raised questions about decorum in sacred spaces.

Vatican’s Plea for Respecting the Pope

Moreover, in response to the incidents, Vatican officials urged visitors to refrain from taking photographs, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the moment. A spokesperson stated, “Visitors are invited not to take photos,” highlighting that the act of photographing the deceased Pope was considered in poor taste.

Despite these appeals, enforcement proved challenging, with some mourners continuing to snap pictures.​

Public Backlash and Ethical Considerations

The public reaction was swift and largely condemnatory. Valerio Russo, a visitor to the basilica, remarked, “After people took photos at the start, officials were stopping them today. Good thing too — it’s a matter of respect. This is not a show, it’s a religious moment”. Others echoed similar sentiments, expressing dismay at the blending of sacred rituals with social media culture.​

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Pope Francis himself had previously cautioned against the overuse of technology in religious settings. In 2017, he admonished clergy for taking photos during Mass, urging them to “lift up your hearts, not your cell phones”. This recent episode underscores the ongoing tension between age-old traditions and the pervasive influence of digital culture.​

A Final Farewell

Additionally, the Pope’s funeral was scheduled for Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. Numerous world leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend. In accordance with his wishes, Pope Francis will be interred at the Basilica of St Mary Major, deviating from the customary burial site beneath St. Peter’s Basilica. As preparations continue, the Vatican remains hopeful that the focus will return to honoring the Pope’s legacy and the solemnity of the occasion.​

Moreover, this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced in preserving the sanctity of religious traditions in an increasingly digital world. Additionally, as society continues to navigate the intersection of reverence and technology, the importance of context and respect remains paramount.

You might also want to read: Pope Francis Dead at 88, Vatican Confirms