The Pope’s funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old admitted he may not survive pneumonia.
According to Swiss newspaper Blick, the Swiss Guard protecting the Pope has been placed under curfew as they prepare for the pontiff’s possible passing. The Pope previously revealed that he had “already prepared” his tomb, but the location of his grave and the design of his coffin would break from tradition.
This follows Pope Francis’ emergency hospitalization at Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday after experiencing severe chest pain. Reports suggest he had resisted leaving the Vatican for days before seeking medical attention.
Doctors diagnosed him with a “complex” respiratory infection, which has led to the cancellation or rescheduling of several papal engagements this week. On Tuesday, the Vatican confirmed that he has pneumonia, alongside asthmatic bronchitis, which is being treated with cortisone and antibiotics. “Laboratory tests, a chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican stated. The infection is especially concerning as the Pope had part of his lung removed many years ago.
Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, told broadcaster Rai that Francis remains “very calm,” adding, “His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”
Meanwhile, two sources close to the pontiff told Politico that Francis confided in them, saying, “I might not make it this time.”
Many have now gathered outside the Gemelli Hospital in western Rome to pray for the Pope. On Monday, medical personnel diagnosed him with a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection—meaning a mix of viruses, bacteria, and possibly other organisms had colonized his respiratory system, leading to double pneumonia.
The Vatican has not disclosed how Francis is responding to treatment but confirmed he is not running a fever. However, infectious disease expert Dr. Carmelo D’Asero warned that the absence of fever is not necessarily a good sign, given the severity of his condition.
“A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen,” he explained. “Having a low fever with a serious bronchial infection is a sign of a decreased immune response, and that is more concerning. Maybe if he had a fever, it would have been better.”
The Vatican has not provided a timeline for the Pope’s hospital stay, only stating that treating such a “complex clinical picture” has required multiple adjustments to his medication and will necessitate an “adequate” period of care.
