'The mass is not a show' - Pope Francis criticises phone use

Updated / Wednesday, 8 Nov 2017 14:01

Pope Francis has chastised priests, bishops and other massgoers who take pictures with their cellphones during Mass, saying they should focus on God instead.

During his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square, the pontiff referred to a communion prayer used in the Mass, saying: "The priest says 'lift up your hearts'. He does not say, 'lift up your cell phones to take pictures.'"

In his improvised remarks, to tens of thousands of pilgrims and other visitors, he called using cell phones during Mass "a very ugly thing," adding:

"It makes me very sad when I celebrate (Mass) here in the piazza (Square) or in the (St Peter's) basilica and I see so many cell phones held up. Not only by the faithful, but also by some priests and even bishops!

"The mass is not a show... so remember, no cell phones!" he said, prompting laughter and applause from the crowd.

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