Pope Francis, 88, was diagnosed with a ‘complex’ respiratory infection after being rushed to hospital with severe chest pain – and plans for his funeral are now believed to be under way
The Pope's funeral is reportedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old warned he "might not make it this time".
It comes after the pontiff was diagnosed with a "complex" respiratory infection after being rushed to Rome's Gemelli hospital on Friday with severe chest pain. The Swiss Guard protecting Pope Francis has now started rehearsing the 88-year-old's funeral, with members under a curfew as they prepare "for the pontiff's death", Swiss newspaper Blick reports.
Despite his declining health, the Pope had avoided calls to leave the Vatican for several days – but doctors at the hospital have barred him from taking part in a number of engagements, and the Vatican has also cancelled or rescheduled his papal audiences this week.
The Vatican said Pope Francis is battling pneumonia in both his lungs and that his condition remains "complex". He was found to have developed a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection – a combination of viruses, bacteria and possibly other organisms forming together in his respiratory tract, leading to 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 especially worrying because the Pope had part of his lung removed several years prior. Speaking about the Pope's current condition, Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, told broadcaster Rai: "Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord." Two others close to Francis claims he told them he "might not make it this time", Politico reports. He remains at Gemelli Hospital in western Rome, where his supporters have travelled to pray for him.
Dr. Carmelo D'Asero, an infectious disease and geriatric disease expert in Rome, explained why Francis' lack of a fever was not necessarily a good thing. He said: "A high fever is a sign of an immune response to a pathogen. 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 Pope has suffered a number of health issues during his 12 years as leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In March 2023, he was hospitalised with bronchitis for three days, and then underwent a three-hour operation in June to repair an abdominal hernia.
In December last year, he was seen with a large bruise on his chin during a ceremony in St Peter's Basilica, which the Vatican said was the result of a minor fall. In January, a sling was put on his arm after he fell and hurt himself.
The Vatican has given no indication of how long Francis could remain hospitalised in his most recent case.
Sourse: www.mirror.co.uk
