The Vatican has issued a request for visitors not to take selfies with Pope Francis' open coffin.

Following the Pope’s death at the age of 88, tens of thousands have queued to view his body ahead of his funeral on Saturday 26th April.

Vatican officials asked people to keep their phones in their pockets.

"Visitors are invited not to take photos," a Vatican spokesperson said, after several pictures surfaced showing mourners posing in front of the coffin.

One mourner shared her disappointment, calling the act "sad to see such disrespectful behaviour" as she and her husband refrained from using their phones during their visit, as reported by LBC.

The Pope’s passing has drawn global attention, with dignitaries and world leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, expected at his funeral.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, described the event as a "masterpiece of stage management" for the organisers, particularly when dealing with "big egos" from world leaders.

Reflecting on the funeral’s significance, Cardinal Nichols stated that the Pope’s favourite title was “I’m Bishop of Rome,” emphasising the personal connection that Romans feel with their bishop.

After the funeral, Pope Francis’s remains will make an unconventional journey through Rome’s streets, before being laid to rest in a simple underground tomb at Saint Mary Major Basilica, in keeping with his wishes.