The Pope’s funeral is allegedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old warned he may not survive pneumonia.
The Swiss Guard protecting the Pope, 88, is rehearsing his funeral, with members under a curfew as they are ‘preparing for the pontiff’s death’, Swiss newspaper Blick claims.
This comes after Pope Francis was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday with significant chest pain, having resisted calls to leave the Vatican for days.
Doctors diagnosed him with a ‘complex’ respiratory infection and barred him from taking part in several engagements, with the Vatican cancelling or rescheduling his papal audiences this week.
The Vatican on Tuesday confirmed the pneumonia and said Francis’ respiratory infection also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment.
The Pope’s funeral is allegedly being rehearsed as the Swiss Guard is preparing for the pontiff’s death after the 88-year-old warned he may not survive pneumonia (the Pope is pictured in 2016)
Pope Francis drinks as he celebrates a mass for the Jubilee of the Armed Forces at St. Peter’s square in the Vatican
‘Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,’ the Vatican said.
The infection is of particular concern because the Pope had part of his lung removed many years ago.
Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, told broadcaster Rai about the Pope’s condition: ‘Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.’
Now, two people close to the pontiff have claimed Francis told them that he ‘might not make it this time’, according to a report by Politico.
Perhaps cognizant of his limited time, the Pope has in recent weeks moved to ‘tie up loose ends’ and ensure the continuation of his legacy at a politically sensitive time for the Catholic Church.
People have now reportedly travelled to the Gemelli Hospital in western Rome where Pope Francis is being treated to pray for him.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
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