Pope Cancels Lenten Retreat Citing Cold, amidst Coronavirus Outbreak in Italy

Pope Francis informed followers on Sunday afternoon that he will not participate in the week-long Lenten Spiritual retreat as he was suffering from a common cold. 

He addressed the crowd in St. Peter’s Square saying, “Unfortunately, a cold will force me not to take part this year (in the retreat). I will follow the meditations from here.” 

The Vatican had mentioned that he would be taking part in the retreat late Saturday night however the meet was cancelled at the last minute. 

While addressing the crowd the Pope coughed several times and his voice sounded tired. It seemed that he had a stuffy nose. He, however, was able to reflect on the day’s gospel which was the temptation of Jesus in the desert during the 40 days fast. 

The Vatican has informed followers that the Pope was suffering from a “slight indisposition.” His ill health has caused him to cancel most of the meets in the past three days. 

Pope Francis’s spokesman Matteo Bruni stated, “There is no evidence that would lead to diagnosing anything but a mild indisposition.” The people who came to hear the Pope in St. Peter’s Square wore face masks. 

The online portal that updates the Church’s activities-Website IL Sismografo, said that since 1950, it was the first time that the pope has missed a Lenten retreat. This has been the longest leave of his papacy. 

Despite his ill health, the Vatican has assured followers that the Pope has was able to celebrate mass every morning in his residence which is the Santa Marta guesthouse. 

The news of the Pope’s sickness has come at a time when Italy is battling with Coronavirus. Italy has reported 1,694 confirmed cases and 34 deaths. Now with the rapid increase in numbers, Italy has the most number of Coronavirus cases of any country outside Asia.