The Pope’s funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old pontiff warned he may not survive his battle with pneumonia.
The Swiss Guard, tasked with protecting Pope Francis, is said to be preparing for his death, with members under curfew as they rehearse funeral plans, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.
The Pope had previously revealed that he had ‘already prepared’ his tomb, but his choice of location and the coffin itself would deviate from tradition.
This comes after the Pope was urgently taken to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday due to severe chest pain, despite having resisted leaving the Vatican for days. Doctors diagnosed him with a “complex” respiratory infection, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of several papal engagements this week.
On Tuesday, the Vatican confirmed that the Pope’s condition involved pneumonia, asthmatic bronchitis, and required cortisone and antibiotic treatment. The Vatican added that lab tests, chest X-rays, and his clinical condition continue to present a “complex picture.” The infection is particularly concerning due to the Pope’s previous lung surgery.
Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, spoke about the Pope’s calmness in the face of his illness: “Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”
Reports have now emerged that two people close to the Pope have claimed he told them he “might not make it this time.” According to Politico, people have gathered at the Gemelli Hospital to pray for him.
On Monday, doctors identified the Pope’s condition as a polymicrobial respiratory infection, with a mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms contributing to double pneumonia. The Vatican has not shared details on how he is responding to treatment, aside from confirming that he is not experiencing a fever.
Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious and geriatric disease expert in Rome, cautioned that the absence of fever may not be a good sign, as it could indicate a weakened immune response.
“A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen,” he explained. “Having a low fever with a serious bronchial infection is a sign of decreased immune response, which is concerning.”
The Vatican has not stated how long the Pope will remain hospitalized, only noting that treatment for his “complex clinical picture” would require an adequate stay.
