Mourners paying their respects to Pope Francis have expressed fury over "ghouls" taking selfies next to his open casket in St Peter's Basilica.
Church guards were forced to intervene to stop some visitors using camera phones during the solemn three-day lying in state.
The behaviour has been branded "distasteful" and "disrespectful" by those who travelled to Vatican City to honour the late pontiff, who died aged 88 on Easter Monday.
Despite officials not officially banning public photographs, many mourners were appalled by those lifting phones high above the crowd to capture images of Francis's body.
Tourists taking selfies with the body of the late pontiff has caused outrage
GB News/Reuters
Faithful pay respect as Pope Francis lies in state in St. Peter's Basilica
Reuters
The late Pope Francis's body as it lies in state at St Peter's Basilica in The Vatican
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Catholics Martin and Catherine Gilsenan, both 59, from Wimbledon, South West London, were among those disgusted by the behaviour.
"I was very moved coming so close to Pope Francis but it was awful seeing so many people taking pictures," said Catherine.
"Around half the people near us wanted to pay respects at the coffin, but the other half were all taking photographs."
The couple kept their phones firmly in their pockets, with Catherine adding: "I saw the Queen lying in state in London and there was no comparison -- this really detracted from the moment."
Faithful queue at St. Peter's Square to pay respect, as Pope Francis lies in state
Reuters
Faithful queue at St. Peter's Square to pay respect, as Pope Francis lies in state
Reuters
Massive crowds have thronged St Peter's Square, with queues stretching for hours as tens of thousands pay their respects to the late pontiff.
Around 20,000 mourners had visited the basilica within the first day, with some draping blue and white football shirts in honour of the Argentine pope. The Vatican abandoned plans to close St Peter's overnight due to the overwhelming numbers.
Some visitors defended taking photographs, including Argentine Matheus Silva, 27, who admitted taking pictures of "the first Pope who spoke up for gay people like me".
"Others were doing the same and I'm happy to share them," he added.
A nun sits on side of the road as faithful queue to enter St. Peter's Basilica
Reuters
Francis was laid out in St Peter's Basilica on Tuesday in red robes, holding a rosary and wearing a bishop's mitre.
Unlike previous popes, who were displayed on an elevated frame, Francis was placed on the main altar of the 16th-century basilica, facing the pews. His coffin was tilted slightly forward to allow mourners to see him better.
Security measures have been heightened around the Vatican, with Italian police conducting foot and horse patrols in the area.
Four Swiss guards stood to attention near the corners of the coffin as people knelt briefly at a rail to say hasty prayers.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was among the dignitaries who paid respects to Francis yesterday.
The faithful queue overnight in St Peter's Square
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Meloni praised the pontiff's ability to talk freely with anyone, saying: "With him you were at ease, you could open up, without filters, without fear of being judged."
The funeral will take place on Saturday in St Peter's Square, with global leaders including Prince William, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expected to attend.
Following the funeral, Francis will be buried at the Basilica of St Mary Major in Rome, breaking with the tradition of papal burials in St Peter's Basilica.
