Pope’s funeral being rehearsed by Swiss Guards: Reports

The Guards’ actions indicate the Pope could be in bigger danger than previously thought.

Members of the Swiss Guard are rehearsing the Pontiff’s funeral after the 88-year-old lamented “he won’t make it this time,” according to Swiss tabloids.

Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs on top of asthmatic bronchitis, creating a “complex clinical picture”.

The Swiss Guard, the Pope’s personal security, have now been placed under a strict curfew to undergo protocol drills in preparation for his possible death, as reported by Swiss newspaper Blick.

The captain of the Swiss Guard, Christian Kuhne, denied this on Wednesday.

“We are continuing to work normally,” Mr Kuhne told Catholic news agency KNA.

The Swiss Guard, charged with protecting the Pope, are reportedly rehearsing for his funeral STRINGER / AFP)

The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday which said recent blood tests show a “slight improvement” in the Pope’s condition.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also reported the Pope was “alert and responsive” during her overnight visit on the same day.

However, the Pope himself previously warned that he “might not make it this time,” according to two close sources, as reported by Politico.

The Pope was found to have a polymicrobial respiratory tract infection, which is a deadly cocktail of bacteria and viruses leading to his double pneumonia.

This is especially worrying as the Pope is already missing a significant part of his lung, which was removed in complications several years prior.

Pope Francis has been diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs, as well as asthmatic bronchitis, raising grave concernover the 88-year-old's condition as he already lost part of his lung to previous health battles. (Photo by FILIPPO MONTEFORTE / AFP)

“Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,” the Vatican said.

All engagements this week, which include the Pope, have been postponed or cancelled, and he is reported to be “distressed” when prevented from delivering his regular Angelus sermon.

Pope Francis remains at Gemelli Hospital, where flocks of religious supporters have flocked to pray over the leader of the catholic church.

Many have flocked outside Gemelli hospital where Pope Francis is hospitalised to pray over the Pontiff. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

As Pope Francis’ health has declined, he has focused on completing key tasks while he is still able, including appointing individuals to prominent positions whom he hopes will carry on his work for progressive reforms within the Church.

The Pope strategically extended Giovanni Battista Re’s term as dean of the College of Cardinals just before being hospitalised, according to a source cited by Politico.

This position is crucial, as the dean will oversee the Conclave when the next Pope is chosen.

Francis’ decision to intervene in the appointment was reportedly contentious, as it circumvented a planned vote.

The Pope is reported to have made strategic moves to influence the future appointments of Catholic Church leaders, in order to continue progressive reforms beyond his reign. (Photo by Tiziana FABI / AFP)

While he is too old to vote himself, insiders suggest that the Pope could still influence the behind-the-scenes lobbying that takes place during the confidential discussions in the Sistine Chapel.

“The lead-up to the conclave is critical, as that’s where the lobbying happens,” a source told Politico.

Since his election in 2013, Francis has worked to make the Church more inclusive, particularly by opening up key roles to women and members of the LGBT community.