Pope Francis tests for Coronavirus

An Italian News paper 'Messagero' has on Tuesday reported that Pope Francis, who was suffering from cold, has tested Negetive for the deadly Coronavirus.

This is coming after he had cancelled a Lent retreat for the first time last week due to the cold.

The 83-year-old pontiff was seen coughing and blowing his nose last week, which resulted in  the Vatican shutting down on Sunday on the speculation that the pope himself may have contacted the COVID-19 virus.

Italy has been strongly hit by the virus with over 2,030 Confirmed and 52 deaths. Italy is directly following South Korea after China as the third most hit countries according to the virus impact assessment.