Pope Francis was reported to have suffered a cold, says an article from Rappler. After being tested for the coronavirus, it was found out that he was negative. The report was released on Tuesday, March 3 by an Italian Newspaper. Italy is currently in the battle of a bad coronavirus outbreak.

Cancellation of Lent Retreat

It was reported that Pope Francis had canceled a Lent Retreat this week. This is the first time that the Pope canceled such an event in his entire Papacy. He had also canceled all his public meetings and other appointments before last week ended due to a cold.

The 83-year-old pope announced in front of a Saint Peter's Square crowd that he will not be attending the Lent Retreat this weekend. He was coughing while saying the traditional Angelus prayer.

The Deadly Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus disease had spread from China to different parts of the world. Italy was one of the most infected nations across the globe. The dangerous virus had already infected at least 2,000 people in Italy with deaths totaling to 52.

Rumors 

The Argentine leader of the Church had been suffering from coughs and cold for days.

There were rumors that the pope had caught the deadly COVID-19. However, the Vatican had released a public announcement on Sunday, March 1. The announcement says that the rumors were incorrect. 

The pope had undergone testing for the terrible illness on February 26. He was tested for the virus after showcasing cold symptoms. 

Changes in the City

The Vatican had been exerting efforts to promote calm despite the COVID-19 epidemic. The Vatican had also released a pre-recorded message from the Pope. The message was released to the public on Tuesday. The message includes an announcement saying that the Pope will still say the Angelus Prayer on Sunday.

The huge crowd that normally fills the Saint Peter's Square and the long-lines that piles up in front of the museums were nowhere to be found.

The Vatican is ready to supply staff who works in close contact with travelers with gloves and facemasks.

A part of the lungs of the pope was removed when he was young. He also suffers from sciatica, a nerve illness that causes pain in the hips. Despite his previous medical conditions, the pope remains healthy.

It is rare for the pope to cancel appointments. He typically takes time to mingle with the faithful and the supporters of the church.

COVID-19 in the Vatican

The Vatican has one coronavirus-related scare.

The offices of a Priest from France working at the ministry of communication in the Vatican had undergone disinfection on Monday. His community of 20 priests was quarantined from the Church of St Louis of the French from Rome. 

They had close contact with a priest who went back to Paris in February. The priest had tested positive for the virus in the previous week. 

An internal letter was leaked to the press on Monday. A copy of the letter was sent to the staff at the ministry.

The employee was quarantined.

However, the employee is still not showcasing any symptoms of the deadly coronavirus.