VATICAN CITY – The Vatican said on Tuesday that Pope Francis was still suffering from a cold and not exhibiting other symptoms after a report said he had tested negative for the novel coronavirus. ADVERTISEMENTWithout directly confirming the report, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that “the cold diagnosed (in the pope) was running its course, without symptoms attributable to other pathologies”. Pope Francis cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy on Sunday, after axing all public meetings and retreating to his Vatican residence last week. “Unfortunately, a cold forced me not to take part this year,” Pope Francis told a crowd on Saint Peter’s Square after suffering two coughing fits while reciting Sunday’s Angelus Prayer. ADVERTISEMENTThe Vatican is set to supply staff working in close contact with tourists with masks and gloves, the Messaggero reported.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer March 03, 2020 18:56 UTC