From this morning’s New York Times.

The funeral rites for popes stipulated by John Paul in 1996 specifically prohibited photographing the pope on “his sickbed or after death,” except for specially accredited photographers. Signs in St. Peter’s Basilica also prohibit photography.

But this week, the heavy air around the pope’s bier has not been filled with prayer so much as with tiny popping flashes and clicking shutters.

“Of course everyone is taking pictures,” said Antonio Parente, 19 , who had managed to take eight pictures in the 30 seconds it took to walk by the body. “They want to remember this moment.”

Here’s a great marketing opportunity for Nokia — offer to sponsor the funeral of the next pope!