RT.com
26 Apr 2025, 06:45 GMT+10
Officials urge visitors to maintain respect during the late pontiff's lying-in-state
Vatican officials have urged mourners to refrain from taking photographs with Pope Francis's body as he lied in state at St. Peter's Basilica, emphasizing the need for solemnity and respect during the period of mourning.
The appeal came after images and videos surfaced online showing visitors posing near the late pontiff's casket. Vatican staff have been instructing the faithful to refrain from using mobile phones and to maintain an atmosphere of prayer and reflection.
"Visitors are invited not to take photos," a Vatican spokesperson told The Times, underscoring the importance of preserving the dignity of the occasion.
READ MORE: Vatican reveals cause of Pope Francis's death
Since the public viewing began on Wednesday, around 250,000 mourners have filed past the late pope's casket, according to Vatican News. To accommodate the vast crowds, St. Peter's Basilica remained open overnight.
On Friday evening, the Pope's coffin was solemnly sealed during a private ceremony led by Cardinal-Camerlengo Kevin Farrell. Following centuries-old tradition, a white silk cloth was placed over Pope Francis's face, and a bag containing coins and medals minted during his pontificate was placed inside the coffin. His wooden casket was sealed, bearing a cross, his coat of arms, and official Vatican seals, in preparation for the funeral scheduled for Saturday morning.
The funeral will be attended by thousands of faithful, as well as world leaders and dignitaries, paying tribute to the 266th Pope, whose memory, the Vatican said, "remains in the heart of the Church and of all humanity."
Get a daily dose of Kenya Star news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Kenya Star.
More InformationChennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 26 (ANI): Following his side's loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Chennai Super Kings (CSK) skipper...
Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], April 26 (ANI): BRICS Sherpa Secretary (ER) Dammu Ravi participated in the BRICS Sherpas Meeting being held...
G4Ss mercenaries are everywhere from the halls of American power to the darkest corners of detention centers The British-American...
Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], April 25 (ANI): Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) produced a clinical bowling display to restrict Chennai Super...
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): Jamie Overton made his Test debut for England back in 2022, but hasn't been able to find his place...
New Delhi [India], April 25 (ANI): New Zealand wicketkeeper-batter Tim Seifert is all set to play in Major League Cricket (MLC) for...
THE VATICAN - The world is in shock and mourning on Easter Monday as it woke to the news that Pope Francis had died. Having recently...
Officials urge visitors to maintain respect during the late pontiff's lying-in-state ...
Kiev expects sustained American aid despite growing tensions over Trumps peace plan Kiev expects Washington to provide long-term...
Hyderabad (Telangana) [India], April 26 (ANI): Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Friday participated...
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa [Pakistan], April 26 (ANI): The National Institute of Health (NIH) has confirmed a new polio case in the Bannu area...
Balochistan [Pakistan], April 26 (ANI): Baloch Yakjehti Committee leaders, including chief convenor Mahrang Baloch, on Friday started...