Pope Francis Funeral ‘Being Rehearsed’

The Pope’s funeral is purportedly being planned after the 88-year-old said he might not survive illness.

According to Swiss daily Blick, the Swiss Guard guarding the Pope, 88, is rehearsing his burial and is under a curfew because they are ‘preparing for the pontiff’s death’.

The Pope earlier stated that he had ‘already prepared’ his tomb, but the site of his interment and the casket itself would defy convention.

This comes after Pope Francis was transported to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday with severe chest problems after resisting requests to leave the Vatican for days.

According to Politico, two people close to the pontiff allege Francis told them he’might not make it this time’. People have reportedly travelled to the Gemelli Hospital in western Rome, where Pope Francis is receiving treatment, to pray for him.

On Monday, medical experts concluded that he had a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which means that a variety of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms had colonized his respiratory tract, resulting in double pneumonia.

“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.”

According to Politico, two people close to the pontiff allege Francis told them he’might not make it this time’.

People have reportedly travelled to the Gemelli Hospital in western Rome, where Pope Francis is receiving treatment, to pray for him.

On Monday, medical experts concluded that he had a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which means that a variety of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms had colonized his respiratory tract, resulting in double pneumonia.

The Vatican hasn’t said anything about how Francis is responding to the drugs he’s been given, other than that he doesn’t have a fever.

Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious disease and geriatric disease expert in Rome, said Francis’ absence of fever was not necessarily a good sign, considering the severity of his infection.

“A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen,” he said.

“Having a low fever and having a serious bronchial infection .. is a sign of a decreased immune response and that makes us worry a little bit more, let’s say.

“Maybe if he had a fever, it would have been better.”

The Vatican has not indicated how long the pope may be hospitalized, merely stating that treating such a ‘complex clinical picture,’ which has already needed many adjustments in his medical regimen, will necessitate a ‘adequate’ stay.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli