Pope Francis tests negative for coronavirus: report

Filippo MONTEFORTE / AFP

Pope Francis has reportedly tested negative for coronavirus.

According to a report in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, he was forced to cancel a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy due to a cold.

Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed because of an illness decades ago, had cancelled most audiences last week as well. 

The Vatican did not immediately respond to the reports. 

It comes as Italy is battling a surging outbreak of the coronavirus, with 52 deaths reported on Monday. 

More from International News

On Virgin Radio today

  • Non Stop Hits

    1:00am - 8:00am

    The UAE's #1 Hit Music Station with no interruptions

  • The Weekend Breakfast

    8:00am - 11:00am

    Playing 10 hits in a row every hour, all weekend!

Trending on Virgin Radio