Pope Francis has been tested for coronavirus after suffering
from 'cold-like' symptoms in recent days.
The 83-year-old Pontiff, who had part of one lung removed
because of an illness decades ago, reportedly tested negative for the virus.
The Vatican has not commented on the reports which were
revealed by Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.
On Sunday, Pope Francis was seen coughing and sneezing during his first public appearance in four days.
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Speaking to thousands of people in St Peter's Square, the
Pope announced his cold will force him to skip a week-long Lenten spiritual
retreat with senior Vatican officials that had been due to start later in the
day.
He appeared at the window of the Vatican's Apostolic Palace
for the first time since Wednesday for his weekly Sunday noon message and
blessing.
He said: "Unfortunately a cold will force me not take
part this year (in the retreat). I will follow the meditations from here."
The pontiff attended the Ash Wednesday mass last week and he
appeared to be suffering from a cold.
He was seen blowing his nose and coughing during the service
and his voice sounded hoarse.
The Vatican had previously said only that he was suffering
from a "slight indisposition".
His spokesman Matteo Bruni dismissed speculation that
Francis was anything more than slightly unwell.
