Pope Francis’s Health Crisis: Swiss Guard Rehearsing Funeral Procedures
The ailing Pope Francis, at 88, is battling a severe bout of pneumonia, prompting fears for his health. The Swiss Guard, tasked with his protection, has reportedly been rehearsing funeral procedures, leading to discussions about his potential passing.
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Credit: Splash
Swiss newspaper Blick reported that the Swiss Guard is “preparing for the pontiff’s death.” However, the captain of the Swiss Guard, Christian Kühne, denied these reports, stating that regular services continue unchanged.
Pope’s Condition and Medical Details
Pope Francis has been admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital since Friday, following a week of suffering from bronchitis. Medical experts have identified a “complex clinical picture” involving a polymicrobial infection of the respiratory tract.
Update reports from the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis is dealing with pneumonia in both lungs and asthmatic bronchitis. His medical condition requires extensive antibiotic therapy, and he has undergone a chest CT scan to further assess his health.
The Pope had part of his lung removed years ago, making him particularly vulnerable to such pulmonary conditions. Despite initial stability reports, his current diagnosis and reports of intense pain have cast a shadow over his health prognosis.
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Credit: AFP
The Pope, in reportedly pessimistic discussions with close aides, expressed concerns about possibly not surviving his current health crisis. This has sparked widespread worry among Catholics worldwide.
His engagements this week have been cancelled or rescheduled, and the Pope himself is said to be distressed by the inability to deliver his regular morning Angelus sermon.
The Process of Choosing a New Pope
The question of who will succeed Pope Francis looms large in light of his declining health. Traditionally, when the Pope dies, his passing is confirmed by the Chamberlain of the Catholic Church, who then informs the cardinal vicar for Rome.
A nine-day mourning period follows, during which the Pope is buried. Afterward, all 252 cardinals are summoned to Rome for the Conclave, where the new Pope is chosen through a secret vote.
To participate in the voting, cardinals must be under 80 years old. Discussions among cardinals precede the vote, which continues until a consensus is reached. A new Pope can be appointed with more than 50% of the votes after 12 days.
The process is tracked by the plumes of smoke rising from the Sistine Chapel: black smoke indicates ongoing deliberation, while white smoke signifies a decision.
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Credit: AFP
Pope Francis’s Final Actions
Amidst his health struggles, Pope Francis has taken decisive steps to influence his legacy. One of his last actions before his hospitalization was to extend the term of Giovanni Battista Re as dean of the College of Cardinals.
This move bypassed a scheduled vote to ensure that voting process conforms to his vision, despite his ineligibility to vote himself. This strategic move highlights Francis’s intention to shape the future direction of the Church.
Over the past nearly ten years, Pope Francis has championed progressive reforms, making the Church more inclusive by opening roles to women and members of the LGBT community.
Vatican’s Latest Statement on Pope’s Health
The Vatican’s Statement on the Pope’s Health 17/02/2025
“The laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and clinical conditions of the Holy Father continue to present a complex picture. “
“The polymicrobial infection, which arose in the context of bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis, and which required the use of antibiotic cortisone therapy, makes the therapeutic treatment more complex. “
“The control chest CT scan that the Holy Father underwent this afternoon, prescribed by the Vatican health team and the medical team of the Fondazione Policlinico ‘A. Gemelli’, demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia that required further pharmacological therapy. “
“Nonetheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits. This morning he received the Eucharist and, during the day, he alternated rest with prayer and reading texts. “
“He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him.”
In light of these developments, Pope Francis remains in good spirits despite his health challenges. His enduring faith and gratitude for prayers continue to inspire Catholics worldwide.
Conclusion
As the world watches, Pope Francis’s health remains uncertain, with the Swiss Guard preparing for the possibility of his passing. The process of selecting a new Pope is set to be a significant moment for the Catholic Church, influenced not only by his direct actions but by the widespread impact of his tenure.
For now, prayers continue, and Catholics remain hopeful for the pontiff’s recovery, while also preparing for the future of their beloved institution.
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