Following criticism earlier this week over citizens taking selfies near Pope Francis’ body, it was expected that world leaders would keep their phones in their pockets during the funeral. However, this was not the case. Several leaders were seen reaching for their cell phones to take photos and videos of the late Pope’s wooden coffin as it was carried towards St. Peter’s Basilica.
While many in the front row, including US President Donald Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb, applauded, those seated farther from the altar were seen raising their phones to record the moment.
This key moment of the ceremony, where the most important world leaders showed their respect, was marred by some figures who appeared more focused on capturing footage than on honoring the Pope.
Among those who filmed the coffin was Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter, and Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Uganda, Thomas Tayebwa, who later posted a photo of the coffin on social media, according to the Daily Mail.
Pope Francis, who passed away on Monday at the age of 88, was laid to rest on Saturday in St. Peter’s Square. His burial took place at the Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica in Rome, with approximately 200,000 people attending the mass.
