Pope Francis health: Preparations for possible funeral begin as Pontiff warns aides of death

Pope Francis told his close aides that he may not survive pneumonia as his condition remains “complex”. The 88-year-old, who was rushed to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on Friday, has developed pneumonia in both his lungs, according to Vatican.

“The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon… demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy,” the statement read.

Pope’s‘ respiratory infection also includes asthmatic bronchitis, which necessitates the administration of corticosteroid antibiotics, the Vatican said.

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

Pope also told his aides that he is getting ready for his legacy as well as considerations for his successor.

Following his warning that he might not survive pneumonia, the latest reports claim that rehearsals are being conducted for his funeral.

Citing the Swiss tabloid Blick, Daily Mail reported that the Swiss Guard, which is guarding the Pope, is practicing his funeral. The armed force personnel are under curfew as they are “preparing for the pontiff’s death”.

This is a developing story