KEY POINTS

  • Pope Francis tested negative for COVID-19
  • He experienced flu-like symptoms
  • He cancelled his retreat to the south of Rome because of a cold

Pope Francis tested negative for the coronavirus following an illness that caused the cancellation of his trip last week.

Fox News reported that the 83-year-old pope experienced coughs, chills and flu-like symptoms after spending his time outdoors last Wednesday.

The Pope cancelled a week-long retreat to the south of Rome because of a cold and his absence became a cause of public concern since he never canceled so many public events since assuming the papacy.

Italy is is fighting Europe's worst outbreak of the coronavirus and the number of cases in the country went beyond 1,000 on Saturday.

Furthermore, as of March 1, there have been 29 reported fatalities and 105 others received intensive care treatment in hospitals.

Pope Francis has come down with a cold as Italy battles Europe's worst outbreak of the novel coronavirus
Pope Francis has come down with a cold as Italy battles Europe's worst outbreak of the novel coronavirus AFP / Alberto PIZZOLI
Coronavirus