Preparations for the funeral of Pope Francis have begun in the Vatican

The Swiss Guard guarding Pope Francis is rehearsing a funeral ceremony in case of the death of the pontiff, who is in hospital, the Swiss newspaper Blick reports.

On Tuesday, the press service of the Holy See reported that the clinical picture of Francis, hospitalized with a lung infection, remains difficult, examinations showed the onset of bilateral pneumonia. At the same time, on Wednesday, they said that the pontiff's condition is stable, and blood tests even show "a slight improvement."

"The faithful come to pray for Francis at the Gemelli Hospital west of Rome, where he has been receiving treatment since Friday. At the same time, the Swiss Guard is also preparing for any eventuality, up to the death of the pontiff. According to our information, a curfew has been imposed for the guards (the pontiff). The funeral is also being rehearsed," the publication says.

On Friday, at the end of the audience, 88-year-old Pope Francis went to the Gemelli clinic in Rome for examination and continued treatment of bronchitis in hospital conditions. Events with the participation of the pontiff were canceled until Monday.