Watching the funeral mass for Pope Francis I was struck

[Norbert]

by the amount of applause in the course of the mass, the latest being as the pall bearers and the conclave of Cardinals approached the casket. I take it was an ultimate sign of respect, but don't remember seeing this. My memory may not be so great since it has been a while since I watch the funeral of Pope John Paul II.

I was glad to tune in to this, even though it was just after the homily and halfway through the offertory.

[Irish_Dem]

1. When I grew up in the Catholic Church, we did not clap during services.

It was considered rude and inappropriate.
Mass is not a TV show, it is a sacred proceeding.

[BeerBarrelPolka]

2. Same

I was an altar boy and served many, many funerals. There was never any applause.

[spooky3]

8. This was true in my Protestant church too. Nt

[Meowmee]

3. I watched a bit for the vocals/ music which are beautiful but kept turning the sound down to read.

I saw when they raised his coffin and were clapping etc. * Looked it up, and it is a sign of respect to clap at Italian funerals apparently.

[yorkster]

11. You are correct. The applause is a sign of respect in Italy.

Was hearing this on the BBC yesterday.

[hlthe2b]

4. I particularly enjoyed the reading of the Pope-Francis specific memorial that outlined all his undertakings

as Pope and his beliefs in action. It was so pointedly directed at the more authoritarian world leaders--and frankly, Trump in particular (at least from my interpretation). I only wish there was a camera directed on him to see his reaction. But a point was made, nonetheless. I can only hope the new Pope is one of the more liberal candidates who will continue France's efforts. I don't think any under consideration are Jesuits, but a couple are still quite aligned with Francis's more progressive outlook.

[GreenWave]

5. Perhaps they were always looking on the bright side of life.

[bucolic_frolic]

6. Maybe it's a European/Italian thing, or more microphones in modern media

But funerals of prominent people are not something I've watched over the years.

[wyn borkins]

7. "Applause in the Course of the Mass"

Perhaps a display of 'crowd-reverence' as a way to 'join-in' with other worshippers in this particularly large outdoor Mass.

[Raven123]

9. It struck me too. As did all the cellphone photos being snapped

I can only surmise that Francis’ popularity with the masses (no pun intended) generated a need for some spontaneous, palpable form of appreciation. This was it.

[philf99]

10. Not uncommon but a great tribute

I remember our priest homily after a new bishop was installed. He said there many times when the congregation broke into spontaneous applause.

[Jit423]

12. It's an Italian custom, I believe, to applaud to show approval and respect. nt