Mourners who waited in long queues to pay their respects to Pope Francis have condemned the behavior of some individuals taking selfies near his open casket at St. Peter’s Basilica.

The late pontiff, who passed away on Easter Monday at the age of 88 from complications following a stroke, is lying in state for three days before his burial on Saturday.

While approximately 20,000 worshippers have visited to pay their respects, reports and images have surfaced of individuals posing for selfies with the Pope’s body visible in the background.

One image circulating on Instagram showed a woman smiling broadly with the open casket visible behind her.

The reported instances of selfie-taking have sparked widespread criticism, with some calling the behavior “distasteful” and disrespectful.

Witnesses reported that guards had to intervene to prevent people from using their phones to take photos. Many who had queued for hours to pay their respects expressed dismay at the actions of those prioritizing selfies over solemn remembrance.

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