Pope Tests Negative on Coronavirus: Messaggero

  • Head of catholic church cancelled events after catching a cold
  • Francis, 83, underwent virus test after media speculation

Pope Francis attends Ash Wednesday mass in Rome on Feb. 26.

Photographer: Alberto Pizzoli/AFP via Getty Images

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Pope Francis has tested negative for the coronavirus after suffering a slight cold which led him to cancel several public gatherings, newspaper Il Messaggero reported Tuesday.

The Rome paper said Francis, 83, underwent the test as he has been suffering from a cough, a slight temperature, a sore throat and chills. The illness sparked speculation in Italian media that he had contracted the virus.