If heaven is so wonderful, why do people pray to stop someone going there

What a bizarre post.

Our Pope is here to do good things on earth, it’s not so easy from heaven as I don’t think Elon has quite got there with the whole communications thing.

Also on a more serious note very many lovely GNetters prayed for someone I know who was going through an horrific illness, she was newly married and originally given a terminal diagnosis.
She is in remission and doing well.

I cannot ever imagine saying to her Mother/husband etc, I will pray for her death as I’ve heard it’s lovely up there.

Not everyone who prays believes
in an afterlife.
I sincerely hope the pope recovers.

Franbern: Surely, if the afterlife is such a wonderful place, prayers should be said for him to get there as soon as possible.

And that's more or less what the sisters at the convent where my aunt was a nun did when one of their own was dying - and are probably doing for the Pope now. I doubt whether they're actively praying for his death - that' feels like a rather facetious thought, to be honest (even for an old atheist like me) - but they do feel happiness because it's the culmination of a lifetime of faith, hope and belief.
When my aunt's best friend passed away, it was clearly a time of rejoicing for her, as she truly believed she had gone to a better place and a rewarding afterlife.
If one doesn't have that belief, then it's probably all too easy to mock, but that's how it works for believers and, in a sense, it's logical. That doesn't mean it's not bittersweet for the ones left behind, only that they're more happy for their sister than sad for themselves.

I think offering up prayers makes people feel that they are contributing in some way and it also show compassion and kindness. I send messages out to the universe for people with whom I am not in touch but to whom I wish well. (Wow! a couple of datives coming in there!)

If you believe, you will have ETERNITY to enjoy heaven, so why not have a few more years here?
Simple.

I know what you mean, but however religious a person may be the relatives and friends don’t want them to die too soon.

Maybe they're just praying that he makes a good recovery

If you believe in 'the other side' profoundly then what if it doesn't exist after all?

I can't prove it's non-existence but I haven't met anyone who can prove there is an afterlife.

But the possibility that we die and pass on to a bettter world seems to give comfort to many so I suppose it may be a positive.

Franbern

I really do not understand, am totally bewildered by all the prayers being said for the current Pope.

Surely, if the afterlife is such a wonderful place, prayers should be said for him to get there as soon as possible

Really, you're bewildered? You don't understand the concept of wanting anyone to have a long and healthy life on earth first?

Maremia If you believe, you will have ETERNITY to enjoy heaven, so why not have a few more years here?
Simple. exactly this, I agree.

I agree too Maremia, you put that very well.