As Pope Francis, 88, battles a complex respiratory infection in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital, reports have emerged that the Swiss Guard is allegedly rehearsing for his funeral, adding a somber note to an already tense situation. According to Swiss newspaper Blick, the Pope’s protective detail has been placed under curfew while “preparing for the pontiff’s death” – a claim that takes on added weight given Francis’ own recent admission that he’s already prepared his tomb, albeit one that breaks with papal tradition.
The health crisis began dramatically last Friday when Francis was rushed to Gemelli with severe chest pain, having initially resisted leaving the Vatican. The situation appears particularly concerning given that the Pope had part of his lung removed years ago.
Two sources close to Francis told Politico that he confided he “might not make it this time.” The Vatican confirmed Tuesday that the Pope is battling both pneumonia and asthmatic bronchitis, requiring cortisone antibiotic treatment.
“Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” officials stated, while Italian Cardinal Angelo Comastri, 81, added poignantly: “Francis is very calm. His helm is in the hands of the Lord.”
Medical experts are watching the situation closely. Dr. Carmelo D’Asero, a Rome-based specialist in infectious and geriatric diseases, expressed concern about the Pope’s lack of fever – typically a sign of immune response.
“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,” he explained.
