Swiss Guard Rehearses for Pope Francis’ Funeral After Preparation of his Tomb

 Pope Francis // Photo Courtesy 

Swiss Guard protecting Pope Francis on Thursday 20, February 2025 rehearsed the funeral of the octogenarian lead clergyman.

According to Daily Mail, the Swiss Guard is preparing for the pontiff’s death after he warned that he may not survive pneumonia.

Swiss newspaper Blick also reported that some of the Swiss Guard members are under the curfew as they prepare for the pope’s death.

The Swiss Guard protecting the Pope, 88, is rehearsing his funeral, with members under a curfew as they are ‘preparing for the pontiff’s death’, Swiss newspaper Blick claims.

In a previous presser, Pope revealed he had ‘already prepared’ his tomb, but the location of his grave and the coffin itself would break with tradition.

The development comes after Pope Francis was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday with significant chest pain, having resisted calls to leave the Vatican for days.

He was diagnosed with a ‘complex’ respiratory infection and barred from taking part in several engagements, with the Vatican cancelling or rescheduling his papal audiences this week.

The Vatican on Tuesday confirmed the pneumonia and said Francis’ respiratory infection also involves asthmatic bronchitis, which requires the use of cortisone antibiotic treatment.

‘Laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father’s clinical condition continue to present a complex picture,’ the Vatican said. The infection is of particular concern because the Pope had part of his lung removed many years ago.

Angelo Comastri,81 year old Italian Cardinal in a brief interview with broadcaster Rai about the Pope’s health, said that Francis is very calm and his helm is in the hands of the Lord.