🤯Swiss Guard ‘practicing for pope’s funeral’ after 88-year-old pontiff cautions, ‘I may not survive’ pneumonia.💔

The Pope’s funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old pontiff warned that he may not survive pneumonia.

The Swiss Guard, who protect the Pope, is said to be practicing for his funeral, with members under a curfew as they prepare for the potential death of the pontiff, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.

The Pope had previously shared that he had already arranged for his tomb, though the location and the design of his coffin would break with tradition.

This comes after Pope Francis was hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday due to severe chest pain, despite resisting calls to leave the Vatican. Doctors diagnosed him with a ‘complex’ respiratory infection, leading to the cancellation or rescheduling of his engagements this week.

The Vatican confirmed on Tuesday that the Pope has pneumonia, along with asthmatic bronchitis, which requires treatment with cortisone antibiotics. The Vatican added that laboratory tests, chest X-rays, and the Pope’s clinical condition continue to present a complicated situation. The infection is especially concerning because the Pope had part of his lung removed years ago.

Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, spoke to Rai about the Pope’s condition, saying: “Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”

Two individuals close to the Pope have claimed that he told them he “might not make it this time.” Aware of his limited time, the Pope has recently focused on ‘tying up loose ends’ and securing his legacy, especially during a politically sensitive period for the Catholic Church.

People have gathered at the Gemelli Hospital to pray for him.

On Monday, medical professionals confirmed that the Pope is suffering from a polymicrobial respiratory infection, which includes a mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms, leading to double pneumonia. Treatment may involve oxygen through a nasal tube or mask, intravenous fluids, and addressing the underlying infection.

Thus far, the Pope has not required supplemental oxygen and continues to eat breakfast, read the newspapers, and do some work from his hospital room.

The Vatican has not released information on how Francis is responding to treatment, but has confirmed he is not running a fever.

Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, an infectious and geriatric disease expert in Rome, pointed out that the Pope’s lack of fever is 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 explained. “Having a low fever and a serious bronchial infection… is a sign of a decreased immune response, which is a bit more concerning.”

The Vatican has not given a timeline for how long the Pope might remain hospitalized, only noting that treatment for such a “complex clinical picture” requires an “adequate” stay.