Catholic faithful paying their final respects to Pope Francis as he lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica have expressed outrage at fellow mourners taking selfies with the late pontiff’s open casket.
The Vatican kept St Peter’s Basilica open nearly all night on Wednesday after more than 50,000 people filed past the late Pope’s coffin to pay their respects in the first 12 hours of public viewing.
But a number of mourners criticised the “disrespectful behaviour” of those taking selfies next to the casket, with a Vatican source telling the MailOnline: “It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect but there's little else that can be done.”
World leaders, cardinals and crowds of pilgrims are expected to attend the funeral itself, which will be held at 10am on Saturday in St Peter’s Square.
The Prince of Wales will join the likes of Donald Trump, Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Volodymyr Zelensky to pay their respects to the pontiff, who died aged 88 on Monday.
POPE FRANCIS LIES IN STATE
- Mourners criticise people taking selfies alongside late Pope’s coffin
- Vatican keeps St Peter’s Basilica open all night after planning to close at midnight
- Catholic faithful pay their final respects as thousands flock to Vatican
- Pope Francis’ body arrives in St Peter’s Basilica
- Where will Pope Francis be buried?
- When will the conclave begin?
Timeline: How Pope Francis’ funeral and the Conclave to select his successor will work
16:17 , Andy GregorySince Pope Francis’s death on Easter Monday, leaders from around the world have shared their tributes to the late pontiff, as 1.39 billion Catholics across the globe enter mourning.
Cardinals congregated the following day to establish the date of the funeral ahead of the papal conclave in which a new pope will be selected.
The pontiff had broken from tradition as he requested to be buried outside of Vatican grounds at the Basilica of Saint Mary Major in Rome, with the inscription of his papal name in Latin: Franciscus.
Steffie Banatvala and Bryony Gooch report:
Timeline: How Pope Francis’ funeral and the Conclave will work
Watch: JD Vance addresses being one of last people to meet Pope Francis
15:20 , Andy GregoryMourners criticise people taking selfies alongside late Pope’s coffin
14:37 , Andy GregoryMourners have criticised fellow visitors to St Peter’s Basilica for using their phones to take selfies alongside the body of the late Pope as he lies in state.
Janine Venables, a 53-year-old from Pontypridd told the MailOnline: “What did surprise me is the fact that earlier we were told no photos in the Sistine Chapel and here people were getting their phone out and doing selfies with the coffin. I did think that was a bit in poor taste and I’m surprised no one stopped them.”
Another visitor was reported as complaining that people had been “ignoring warnings” and taking photos instead of paying their respects properly, adding that it was “sad to see such disrespectful behaviour”.
The outlet cited a Vatican source as saying: “It would be good if people could try and remember where they are and have a little respect but there's little else that can be done.”
Pope Francis’ doctor shares late pontiff’s last regret
14:09 , Andy GregoryIn an interview with Repubblica, Pope Francis’s doctor Sergio Alfieri said the late pontiff had shared one final regret with him.
While he was happy to have visited the prisoners on April 17, he wished he had been able to perform a foot-washing ritual for the Church's celebration of Holy Thursday.
“He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners,” said the doctor. “‘This time I couldn’t do it’ was the last thing he said to me.”
Read more details here.
Irish postal services offers to send cards to the Vatican for free
13:33 , Andy GregoryIreland’s postal service is offering to send Mass or sympathy cards to the Vatican for free for people who wish to pay their respects to Pope Francis.
Post offices in Ireland have received queries from the public looking for advice on what was the correct address and stamp to use. In response, An Post said it would offer the service for free and send cards to the Vatican from Ireland in one batch in three weeks’ time.
An Post said: “Cards may be posted to the following PO Box for free until May 14 and An Post will ensure they are delivered directly to the Vatican: ‘Cards to the Vatican, PO Box 13812, FREEPOST, Dublin 1’.”
Full report: Doctor reveals details of Pope Francis’s final moments
12:31 , Andy GregoryThe head of Pope Francis’s medical team has revealed new details about the pontiff’s final moments.
The 88-year-old died quickly on the morning of Easter Monday, Dr Sergio Alfieri, who oversaw the Pope's treatment for pneumonia earlier this year at Rome's Gemelli hospital, said in interviews published on Thursday.
Francis died without undue suffering and medical intervention could not have saved him, Dr Alfieri said.
Joshua McElwee has the full report:
Doctor reveals details of Pope Francis’s final moments, and the pontiff’s last regret
More than 50,000 pay respects to Pope in first 12 hours of public viewing, Vatican says
11:52 , Andy GregoryMore than 50,000 people paid their respects to the late Pope during the first 12 hours of public viewing as he lies in state in St Peter’s Basilica, according to the latest figures from the Vatican.
Public viewing began at 11am on Wednesday, with the basilica remaining open all night and closing for just one hour before viewing resumed at 7am on Thursday due to the vast number of mourners who gathered to pay their respects.
Pope Francis' coffin to be sealed in rite on Friday
11:14 , Andy GregoryPope Francis’ coffin is due to be sealed in rite on Friday evening, in a ceremony presided over by cardinal Kevin Farrell.
The liturgical Rite of Sealing will be attended by several cardinals and Holy See officials, according to the Vatican News website, ahead of the late pontiff’s funeral on Saturday.
The rite will mark the end of public viewing, with tens of thousands having already flocked to witness the late Pope lying in state in St Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Francis died quickly and without suffering undue pain, says his doctor
10:41 , Andy GregoryPope Francis died quickly on Monday morning from an unexpected stroke and did not suffering undue pain, the head of his medical team has said.
Sergio Alfieri, a physician at Rome's Gemelli hospital who oversaw the pope's treatment there during a five-week stay when Francis was fighting double pneumonia earlier this year, said there was nothing that doctors could have done to save his life, in interviews published this morning.
Dr Alfieri told the Corriere della Sera newspaper that he arrived at the Vatican 20 minutes after receiving a phone call at 5:30am local time on Monday, adding: “I entered his rooms and he had his eyes open. I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me.”
“In that moment I knew there was nothing more to do,” said Dr Alfieri. “He was in a coma.”
In a separate interview with La Repubblica, Dr Alfieri said some officials who were present with the pope suggested moving him immediately back to the hospital. “He would have died on the way,” said the doctor. “Doing a CT scan we would have had a more exact diagnosis, but nothing more.
“It was one of those strokes that, in an hour, carries you away.”
Scotland's first minister to attend Pope's funeral
10:08 , Andy GregoryScotland’s first minister John Swinney will attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome.
The SNP leader said: “His Holiness Pope Francis was a voice for peace, tolerance and reconciliation who had a natural ability to connect with people of all ages, nationalities and beliefs.
“On behalf of the people of Scotland, I am deeply honoured to attend the funeral of Pope Francis in Rome to express my sorrow, thanks and deep respect for the compassion, assurance and hope that he brought to so many.”
Justin Welby: The Pope I knew supported me even at my lowest hour
09:39 , Andy GregoryIn an exclusive piece for Independent Voices, former Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby recalled his meetings with Pope Francis – and revealed how he received a surprise call moments after he was forced to resign in November. He writes:
I will never forget the first time I met the Pope in 2013.
I had never met a pope before and was on edge. The Vatican is designed to overwhelm visitors with power. We walk through long corridors to his office, a man in an exquisitely tailored tailcoat leading us; Swiss Guards in their full uniforms salute as we pass.
The wall paintings are beyond description; you could do a Renaissance art course just in the rooms we go through. I am taken into the meeting, with my colleagues, cameras clicking, TV present. It is surreal. The others are ushered out and we sit on either side of a desk.
“I am senior to you,” he says, with a level look. I feel a sense of disappointment: I did not think he was like that. “Indeed you are, Your Holiness...” I begin.
He interrupts, smiling, “by three days”. He was inaugurated that much before me: in March, earlier that year. We both laugh and there are the beginnings of a friendship.
Read more details here:
Justin Welby: The Pope I knew supported me even at my lowest hour
Watch: Thousands queue to view Pope lying in state at Vatican's St Peter's Basilica
09:10 , Andy GregoryUK theologian tells of shock and sadness in Rome after Pope’s death
08:39 , Andy GregoryA UK theologian who had worked closely with the Pope has described an atmosphere of shock, sadness and gratitude in Rome on the day of the Pope’s death.
Professor Anna Rowlands, who previously spent two years seconded to the Vatican during his papacy, happened to be in the Italian capital for Easter.
The professor of Catholic social thought and practice at Durham University described pilgrims and tourists mingling in the city as the news filtered through on Monday and an atmosphere of “shock, of sadness, and of gratitude”.
Aine Fox reports:
UK theologian tells of shock and sadness in Rome after Pope’s death
What happens next?
08:20 , Andy GregoryA huge gathering of the Catholic faithful has come together to grieve the loss of Pope Francis and will continue to do so in the coming days, followed by the secretive and potentially lengthy process of cardinals choosing a new pontiff.
Here is a look at what to expect:
Mourners describe witnessing lying in state as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ experience
07:56 , Andy GregoryAmong those filing past the late pontiff’s coffin – some blessing themselves with the sign of the cross or pausing briefly in prayer – were a mother and daughter who described it as a “once-in-a-lifetime” experience.
Primary school teacher Marguerite O'Leary and her teenage daughter Ellen, from County Clare in Ireland, stood for more than five hours on Wednesday to be among the first members of the public to see the late Pope lying in state.
Ms O’Leary said she felt it was their “duty to represent the people of Ireland when we were lucky enough to be here” in the days following the Pope's death, while her 14-year-old daughter described it as “amazing to be in there” and a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity”.
Patrick Gavigan, based in Kildare, said it was “momentous” to be inside the basilica to witness the Pope’s remains after queuing with his wife Alice for nearly four hours.
Additional reporting by PA
Vatican keeps St Peter's Basilica open nearly all night in response to high turnout
07:32 , Andy GregorySo many mourners lined up to see Pope Francis lying in state that the Vatican kept the doors to St Peter’s Basilica open nearly all night due to higher-than-expected turnout – closing the basilica for just an hour Thursday morning for cleaning between 6am and 7am.
Over 20,000 people paid respects in first eight hours of public viewing, Vatican says
07:26 , Andy GregoryAccording to the latest numbers released by the Vatican, more than 20,000 people paid their respects during the first 8 hours of public viewing on Wednesday.
The basilica closed for just one hour on Thursday morning, from 6am until 7am, the planned opening time.
Israel deletes Pope Francis condolence tweet
07:14 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Israeli government deleted a social media post giving condolences over the death of Pope Francis just hours after posting it.
Local media also reported that Israeli diplomatic missions worldwide were also instructed to delete similar posts and not to sign Vatican embassy condolence books.
“Rest in Peace, Pope Francis. May his memory be a blessing,” the post read on the country’s verified X account on Monday, before it was deleted. It was posted alongside an image of the Pope visiting the Western Wall in Jerusalem.
More here.
Israel deletes Pope Francis condolence tweet within hours of posting
Taiwan president to miss Pope's funeral
07:12 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarTaiwanese president Lai Ching Te will not attend the funeral of Pope Francis despite his government claiming that they were making requests to the Vatican.
The foreign ministry announced yesterday that Taiwan would be sending its former vice-president, Chen Chien Jen, as special envoy.
Mr Chen has deep ties with the Vatican and met Pope Francis six times, according to reports.
Taiwan's deputy foreign minister Francois Wu earlier said the Vatican may have “some consideration” over international relations.
Just 12 governments, including the Vatican, recognise Taiwan as a country. China claims the island is a part of its territory.
Hong Kong allows outspoken cardinal to attend Pope's funeral
06:38 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarHong Kong's outspoken Roman Catholic Cardinal Joseph Zen was allowed to leave the southern Chinese city to attend Pope Francis' funeral in Vatican City.
Zen, a 93-year-old retired bishop, left Hong Kong on yesterday night after applying at a court to get back his passport, his secretary said.
Authorities confiscated his passport after his controversial arrest under a Beijing-imposed national security law in 2022.
Zen is among the critics in recent years who have said the Vatican’s agreement with Chinese authorities on the appointment of bishops betrays pro-Vatican Chinese Catholics.
He has also criticised secretary of state Pietro Parolin, the official charged with negotiations with Beijing, as a “man of little faith."
More here.
Hong Kong allows outspoken Cardinal Joseph Zen to attend Pope Francis' funeral
Vatican may extend visiting hours
06:35 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe Vatican may extend the time frame for pilgrims to pay respects to Pope Francis in St Peter's Basilica until beyond midnight in Rome due to the large number of visitors, it said in a statement on Wednesday.
Francis, who died at age 88 on Monday, is lying in state for three days.
The Vatican had originally planned to close visits at midnight on Wednesday and Thursday and at 7pm on Friday, after which Francis' casket would have been closed and sealed.
But those timings may now be changed after tens of thousands flocked to see Francis lying in state on Wednesday, queuing long into the night.
Francis' funeral, which will be attended by dignitaries from around the world, has been set for Saturday at 10am in St Peter's Square.
When will the conclave begin?
05:33 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe secret meeting of cardinals, known as the conclave, usually begins between 15 and 20 days after a pope’s death.
However, if the cardinals agree, it could begin earlier to elect Pope Francis' successor.
Following the period of mourning, 5 May seems a likely date on which it might start, said Joe Ronan, who works with the Catholic Voices media charity.
Only cardinals who were aged 80 or under on the day of the Pope’s death have a vote.
While there must be a minimum of 120 cardinals – senior members of the Catholic Church – in the conclave, Mr Ronan said there are currently around 135 cardinals of voting age.
The conclave convenes in the Sistine Chapel, where there can be up to four votes each day.
There is no set time for the conclave to elect a new pope, and if it carries on for a long time, it is possible for the cardinals to take a break, and have a non-voting day.
A two-thirds majority is required for a new pope to be elected.
Each time there is a vote, the ballots are then burned with black smoke from a chimney of the Sistine Chapel, indicating no one has been elected. The white smoke confirms a new pontiff.
Mr Ronan said there is expected to be a double confirmation, to avoid confusion: “As well as the white smoke I think they will also ring the bells of St Peter’s as a double check.
“These days they go to great pains to make sure that the colour of the smoke is very clear, sometimes (in the past) you have had a sort of grey colour.”
In pics: Mourners arrive at St Peter's Square in Vatican
05:28 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
How the nine days of novemdiales will play out
05:21The first day of novemdiales will be marked by Pope Francis’ funeral mass in St Peter’s Square on Saturday.
On Sunday, the mass at 10.30 will be presided over by cardinal Pietro Parolin, which will include employees and faithful of the Vatican.
On 28 April, the mass at 5pm will be presided over by cardinal Baldassare Reina and include the church of Rome.
Cardinal Mauro Gambetti will preside over the mass at St Peter's Basilica at 5pm.
Cardinal Leonardo Sandri will preside over the mass on 30 April at 5pm, with the group being the Papal Chapel. Only cardinals will be allowed to concelebrate this mass, according to Vatican News.
On 1 May at 5pm, cardinal Kevin Joseph Farrell will preside the mass at St Peter's.
The day seven mass at 5pm will be presided over by cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, with the group being the Eastern Churches.
Cardinal Angel Fernandez Artime will preside over the Day 8 mass at 5pm.
On the final day, Cardinal Dominique Mamberti will preside at the mass with the Papal Chapel group at St Peter's. The concelebrations will be limited to the cardinals.
What is novemdiali?
04:39 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarA huge gathering of the Catholic faithful will come together to grieve the loss of Pope Francis in the coming days, followed by the secretive and potentially lengthy process of cardinals choosing a new pontiff.
The Church is currently in “sede vacante”, or “the vacant See”. This happened at the moment of the Pope’s death.
Following the funeral, the “novemdiali” takes place – nine days of official mourning. The funeral marks the first day of this period, with the final day on 4 May.
Each day after the funeral, a mass will be held at St Peter’s Basilica, which will be presided over by a different cardinal.
Only Cardinals will be allowed to concelebrate the masses dedicated to the Papal Chapel on 30 April and 4 May, according to reports.
Cardinals meet in private to finalise preparations for funeral
04:27 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe cardinals yesterday met in private to finalise the preparations for Saturday's funeral and plan the conclave to elect Francis' successor.
Pope Francis chose St Mary Major as his resting place, about 4 km from the Vatican, which marks a break from tradition, as most popes were buried in Vatican grounds.
The basilica was important to the Pope because it was his favourite place to pray. He prayed there before and after every international trip.
The funeral has been set for Saturday at 10am (local time) in St Peter's Square. It will be attended by world leaders, including US president Donald Trump and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
Francis' death and funeral will usher in a carefully orchestrated period of transition in the 1.4 billion-strong Catholic Church, with cardinals gathering over the coming days before entering a conclave, the secretive ritual voting in the Sistine Chapel to elect a new pope.
Catholic faithful pay their final respects
04:02 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThousands of people filed through St Peter's Basilica on Wednesday to pay their final respects to Pope Francis at the start of three days of public viewing ahead of his funeral.
Throngs of the faithful made their way to the 16th-century basilica's main altar, where Francis' open wooden casket was perched, as Swiss Guards stood at attention.
Over the coming days, tens of thousands of people are expected to pass through, and the Vatican said it may make the viewing hours even longer due to high turnout. In the first 8.5 hours, 19,430 people paid their respects to the pope.
Francis was laid out in red robes, clasping a rosary and wearing a bishop's mitre, the traditional pointed headdress. Mourners waited hours to reach the casket, which was behind a cordon. Some held their phones aloft as they neared to snap photos in what has become a modern ritual."It gave me chills," said Ivenes Bianco, as she left.
She was in Rome from the southern city of Brindisi for medical care, and came to pay her respects. "He was important to me because he encouraged co-existence. He brought many people together.
"Francis' casket wasn't put on an elevated bier – as was the case with past popes – but placed on a ramp, facing the pews.
It was in keeping with his wishes for the rituals surrounding a papal funeral to be simplified to reflect his belief that the pope's role is that of simple pastor, not world leader.
In pics: Thousands of pilgrims pay respects to Pope Francis
03:57 , Alisha Rahaman Sarkar
Where will Pope Francis be buried?
03:54 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarPope Francis chose St Mary Major as his resting place, about 4 km from the Vatican.
It marks a break from tradition as most popes were buried in Vatican grounds - the last pope not to be was in 1903.
The basilica was important to the Pope because it was his favourite place to pray. He prayed there before and after every international trip.
“I've always had a great devotion to St Mary Major, even before I became pope,” he wrote in his 2024 book El Sucesor.
