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Report: Pope Francis Still Sick, Cancels Second Day of Activities as Coronavirus Sweeps Italy

Posted By Wayne Dupree On February 28, 2020 @ 2:32 pm In Politics | No Comments

By Missy Crane | February 28, 2020

Is the Pope okay?

This is the second day of canceled activities for the 83-year-old Pontiff after the Vatican confirmed that he is indeed “sick.”

Italy is currently dealing with an outbreak of the coronavirus so it’s not the best idea for the Pope to be shaking everyone’s hands and kissing people.

You can watch the video below:

The Vatican said the 83-year-old pontiff had decided not to go ahead with official audiences after he skipped a church service yesterday.

It comes as Italy is reeling from a worsening coronavirus outbreak which has so infected more than 500 people and caused 17 deaths.

The Vatican declined to say whether the Pope will be tested for the virus.

Yesterday he was too unwell to travel to a mass on the other side of Rome and stayed in the Santa Marta guesthouse where he lives in the Vatican.

His spokesman said he had a “light indisposition”.

Concerns for his health had been raised the day before after he was seen coughing and blowing his nose during an Ash Wednesday service in St Peter’s Basilica.

Earlier on Wednesday – the first day of Lent – Francis appeared in good spirits as he greeted a large crowd at a general audience in St Peter’s Square.

Many of the faithful wore face masks, but others did not as they kissed the the Holy Father and shook his hand. [The Sun ^[2]]

The Pope is not a spring chicken so he needs to be extra careful in regard to this virus. The elderly are at much higher risk.

He should wear a mask and stop touching everyone’s hands.

We hope he’s okay.

This piece originally appeared on WayneDupree.com ^[3] and is used by permission.