Pope Francis’ funeral is allegedly being rehearsed after the 88-year-old was diagnosed with pneumonia.
The Holy Father’s health has caused concern in recent days, with two people close to him claiming that the Pope had told them that he « might not make it this time », according to Politico.
He was taken to Gemelli hospital in Rome on Friday after developing asthmatic bronchitis. This developed into pnuemonia in both of his lungs.
On Tuesday, the Vatican said that laboratory tests and a chest X-ray were had been done, and that the Pope’s clinical condition continued to present a « complex picture ».
Now, officials are allegedly practicising his funeral, according to Swiss newspaper Blick.
This involves the Swiss Guard, the Holy Father’s personal guard, rehearsing proceedings, with members under a curfew because they are « preparing for the pontiff’s death ».
Pope Francis reportedly « joked around » with Giorgia Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, today after spending a « tranquil » fifth night in hospital.
After visiting the pontiff, Ms Meloni’s office said he was « alert and responsive » and they « joked around as always ».
Officials adds that Francis « has not lost his proverbial sense of humour ».
Previously, Pope Francis said that he had « already prepared » his tomb.
Although, the location of his burial site and the coffin he will lay in would break with tradition.
He will not be buried where most of his predecessors are now resting – in the grottoes beneath St Peter’s Basilica.
Instead, the pontiff’s body will be transferred to the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in the Esquilino area of Rome.
The holy building is one of the four major papal basilicas, and seven popes, between Honorious III, who died in 1216, and Clement IX, whose death was in 1669, were interred there.
In addition, new rites issued last year detailed that Pope Francis will be laid to rest in a single zinc-lined wooden casket.
Pope Benedict XVI, the current head of state’s predecessor, was buried in three coffins.
These included one made from lead, and were placed inside each other, the MailOnline reports.
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