POPE Francis has tested negative for coronavirus.
The 83-year-old pontiff, who was forced to cancel a series of engagements last week amid concerns he had the illness, was given a routine test after falling ill with symptoms of a cold.
According to Italian media, Pope Francis was given a swab test as a precaution but the results have come back negative.
Italy continues to battle coronavirus and to date, 52 people have died.
There had been fears the pontiff had contracted the virus after he was pictured shaking hands and kissing faces in a crowd of well-wishers in St Peter's Square.
While two cases have been reported in Rome, no case has yet been reported in Vatican City. However it was revealed yesterday that a member of staff had been placed in quarantine over fears they may have contracted the illness.
The worker had come into contact with a French priest who has since been hospitalised in Paris, and has been placed in isolation as a precaution.
The Vatican has stepped up measures to try and prevent an outbreak and staff have also been advised to wash their hands thoroughly and avoid people with symptoms, while visitors are being asked to avoid forming dense crowds and to shield their faces when they cough or sneeze.
Pope Francis's last full day of public engagements was on Ash Wednesday, when he appeared ill while taking part in an evening Mass.
