Reports have emerged that the Pope’s funeral is being rehearsed due to concerns over his health. The 88-year-old pontiff, Pope Francis, has been battling pneumonia and was warned that he may not survive. The Swiss Guard, responsible for his protection, has reportedly been practicing funeral arrangements, and they are under a curfew as they prepare for the possibility of his death, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.
The Pope had previously shared that he had already prepared his tomb, though the location of his grave and the design of his coffin would differ from tradition.
These developments follow Pope Francis’s hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli hospital, after experiencing chest pains. Despite being advised to leave the Vatican, he resisted, only to be diagnosed with a complex respiratory infection. As a result, he had to cancel several planned engagements. The Vatican later confirmed that he has pneumonia and that antibiotics are being used to treat the infection.
“Lab tests, chest X-rays, and the Pope’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican said.
The situation is particularly concerning given that the Pope had one of his lungs removed many years ago.
“Francis is very calm. His fate is in the hands of the Lord,” the Vatican added.
The Pope’s funeral will follow a strict and ceremonial tradition, as is customary in the Catholic Church. When a Pope passes away, the Vatican has a well-established protocol for the funeral, which usually takes place a few days after his death to allow for proper preparation. Here’s a closer look at what typically happens during the ceremony.
