Vatican Begins Preparations for Pope Francis’ Funeral: What’s Happening?
The Swiss Guard, the official security force of Pope Francis, has begun rehearsing the pontiff’s funeral, according to Swiss newspaper Blick. A curfew has been imposed within the Guard. These measures coincide with reports of the pope’s deteriorating health—earlier, the Vatican confirmed that Francis is suffering from pneumonia.
Funeral Rehearsals: Tradition or Cause for Concern?
The Swiss Guard, responsible for protecting the pope, has started rehearsing the funeral ceremony. A strict curfew has also been introduced within the corps, signaling heightened alertness.
Such rehearsals are traditionally conducted in advance to ensure that all ceremonial protocols are followed. However, the fact that these preparations are happening now, amid reports of Pope Francis’ declining health, has raised concerns.
What Do We Know About Pope Francis’ Health?
Official sources in the Vatican have confirmed that the 87-year-old pope has been diagnosed with pneumonia. In recent months, he has canceled several public appearances due to health issues.
Recently, Francis appeared in public with a noticeably weak voice, and his speech was shorter than usual. Despite these visible signs of frailty, the Vatican has not yet issued any statements suggesting that the pope’s condition is critical.
How Are Papal Funerals Conducted?
The passing of a pope triggers a centuries-old traditional process:
- The Camerlengo (head of the Apostolic Chamber) formally declares the pope’s death, calling his name three times.
- The body is displayed in St. Peter’s Basilica for public viewing.
- A nine-day mourning period (novemdiales) is observed.
- A conclave of cardinals is convened to elect a new pope.
Rehearsals for these events are a standard practice, but they usually take place without attracting much media attention.
Conclusion
The preparations for Pope Francis' funeral may be purely precautionary, but combined with reports of his worsening health, they have sparked serious concern. The Catholic world is awaiting further official statements from the Vatican to confirm or dispel these fears.
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