Pope Francis falls ill a day after supporting coronavirus victims
Pope Francis has cancelled a planned service in Rome due to a “slight ailment”, just a day after he expressed support for coronavirus sufferers around the world.
“Due to a slight ailment, [the pope] preferred to stay in the vicinity of Santa Marta,” his residence within the Vatican, spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement on Thursday.
The 83-year-old pontiff was supposed to lead a Lenten service in the Basilica of St John’s in Lateran.
The announcement came amid fears of coronavirus outbreak in Italy. As of Thursday, 528 cases have been confirmed and 11 towns have been placed under lockdown.
The day before, Francis expressed solidarity for the victims of the public health crisis during his general audience in St Peter’s Square on Ash Wednesday.
“I wish, again, to express my closeness to those who are ill with coronavirus and to health care workers who are caring for them,” he said.
He was seen coughing and blowing his nose during the Ash Wednesday mass.