By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Over 130,000 people have viewed Pope Francis lying in state at St. Peter’s Basilica, with many taking photos and videos despite Vatican requests for solemnity. Initially, officials did not effectively curb the use of phones, leading to criticism. Subsequently, visitors were explicitly instructed to refrain from taking photos of the late pontiff. The pope’s funeral will take place on Saturday, following a public viewing period ending Friday evening.
Read the original article here
The Vatican’s request that visitors refrain from taking selfies with the late Pope is, frankly, a disheartening reflection of our times. It’s a basic plea for respect, a sentiment that shouldn’t need stating, yet here we are. The fact that such a request is even necessary speaks volumes about the pervasive nature of a certain kind of disrespectful behavior fueled by social media.
The sheer volume of photos and videos taken during the Pope’s funeral procession underscores this point. It wasn’t just casual onlookers; even those attending with a degree of formality appeared more focused on capturing the moment than on honoring the solemnity of the occasion. One can’t help but wonder if the focus shifted from commemorating a life to curating a social media feed.
This isn’t isolated to this particular event. Numerous accounts describe similar behavior at other significant, historically charged locations. The comparison to people taking frivolous photos or videos at sites like Auschwitz is jarring but undeniably relevant. The insensitivity displayed seems to stem from a lack of understanding or empathy for the significance of the setting, a lack of awareness of the gravity of the situation. There’s a blatant disregard for appropriate behavior and the inherent respect due to the deceased and the event.
Some argue that this is a cultural difference, a variation in how different societies approach death and mourning rituals. While cultural nuances undoubtedly exist, the underlying issue is one of respect, regardless of background or tradition. The urge to memorialize a moment with a selfie fundamentally differs from the quiet contemplation and reflection that are traditionally associated with mourning. It’s a stark contrast between the personal, and the public.
This isn’t solely a problem of social media, though the platform certainly amplifies the behavior. The desire to create shareable content, to boost one’s online presence, overrides the importance of respecting a deceased world figure. The immediate need to document and disseminate the experience supersedes any consideration for the solemnity of the event and its significance beyond a simple photographic opportunity. Even the act of displaying the Pope’s body, despite his wishes, contributes to the spectacle, inadvertently fueling this type of behavior.
There’s a wider societal issue at play here: the lack of respect for the deceased and the erosion of empathy. The commenters highlight the frequent trivialization of serious events and locations. The callousness displayed underscores a broader concern about a lack of historical understanding and a disturbing detachment from the emotional weight of significant moments. It’s not simply about bad manners; it’s a reflection of a deeper disconnect.
The outrage expressed by many is justified. The casual disregard displayed by some is appalling. The responses range from humorous disbelief to outright anger, showcasing the profound negative impact of this inappropriate behavior. The suggestion of harsher penalties, even if unlikely to be implemented, highlights the frustration many feel towards this pervasive lack of decorum. The need to explicitly request respectful behavior underscores a broader societal failure to instill basic values.
Ultimately, the Vatican’s request isn’t just a plea for proper conduct; it’s a symptom of a larger cultural shift where empathy and respect seem to be increasingly undervalued, replaced by a relentless pursuit of self-promotion and social media clout. The incident serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for greater mindfulness and self-awareness in our interactions with the world, and a renewed focus on the importance of empathy and respect, especially in moments of grief and solemnity.