Pope Francis has been forced to cancel a planned Mass in Rome after suffering a ‘slight illness’.
The Vatican said the pontiff had a ‘slight indisposition’ that meant he did not attend an event at the St John Lateran basilica in Rome this morning.
A spokesman said the 83-year-old would continue with the rest of his day’s business, but preferred to stay within the Vatican rather than travel across the city.
The Vatican did not comment about the nature of his illness, but the pope was seen coughing and blowing his nose during the Ash Wednesday Mass.
Various media outlets have said Pope Francis has cancelled an event at the Vatican due to a ‘slight illness’, a day after he was pictured coughing and blowing his nose during Ash Wednesday Mass
Northern Italy is currently in the grips of a coronavirus outbreak, which has spread across the country. Cases have been confirmed in Rome, where the Vatican is located.
It comes a day after he kissed heads and touched faces as he met with crowds in St Peter’s Square, saying he had solidarity with those suffering from coronavirus.
Italy is currently in the grips of a coronavirus outbreak that has seen towns in the north placed on lockdown and travellers from the region spread the infection to previously unaffected areas of Europe.
Rome had three cases, but all three were cured.
Pope Francis had been scheduled to go to the St John Lateran basilica to meet with Rome clergy and celebrate a penitential Mass at the start of Lent.
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