Pope Francis funeral rehearsals underway amid health crisis

Pope Francis, 88, is hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli Hospital due to a complex respiratory infection, including bilateral pneumonia and asthmatic bronchitis. As concerns about his health grow, rehearsals for his funeral have reportedly commenced, with members of the Swiss Guard under curfew in preparation for the pontiff's potential death. Despite being in stable condition, the Pope has confided to close aides that he fears he may not survive this illness, leading to speculation about his succession plans. All of his public engagements have been canceled or rescheduled as he remains in severe pain and is unable to deliver his regular Angelus sermon. The Vatican has emphasized that while the situation is serious, reports of his imminent demise are exaggerated. Observers note that the Pope's declining health and age have raised inevitable questions regarding the future leadership of the Catholic Church.