Pope Francis’ funeral is reportedly being practised after the 88-year-old warned he may not make it following a battle with pneumonia.
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According to the reports of the Swiss newspaper Blick, the members are being kept in nightingales under ‘preparation of pontiff’s death’, with the Swiss Guard protecting the Pope as the papal funeral rehearsal is taking place.
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Previously, the Pope was said to have ‘already prepared’ his tomb; the location of his grave and the coffin itself would break with tradition.
This is because Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome last Friday for severe heart pain; instead of seeking medical attention, he held off on leaving the Vatican for days.
His diagnosis: “Doctors declare they have found a ‘complex’ respiratory infection that would preclude active participation in many engagements,” adding that the Vatican has already cancelled or rescheduled engagements for this week.
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On Tuesday, the Vatican announced that additional antibiotic treatment had been assigned, including use of corticosteroids, to cool off an asthmatic bronchitis respiratory infection that goes along with the pneumonia.
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‘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.
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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.’
