Clergy Living in the Same Building as the Pope Test Positive for COVID-19

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] It has been reported that a clergyman living in the same building as Pope Francis has tested positive for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to ANSA news agency and others on the 25th (local time), an Italian-born Monsignor (a high-ranking Catholic clergyman without episcopal ordination) working at the Vatican Secretariat of State has been confirmed to be infected with COVID-19.

This Monsignor is known to have resided at the Vatican's "Casa Santa Marta," which serves as the Pope's residence. It has not yet been confirmed whether Pope Francis had any contact with this Monsignor.

With the additional confirmed case, the cumulative number of COVID-19 cases in the Vatican City State has risen to five. The previously confirmed cases are known to be general employees of the Holy See and staff of the Vatican Museums.

This Monsignor's confirmed infection effectively supports the fact that the virus has infiltrated the Vatican premises. Currently, most departments of the Holy See are implementing telecommuting, but some clergymen or staff still commute to work.

Earlier, on the 26th of last month, the Pope presided over the general Wednesday audience and the Lenten "Ash Wednesday ceremony," after which he developed cold symptoms such as fever, sore throat, and chills, leading to the cancellation of all subsequent external schedules.

At that time, there were views linking the symptoms to COVID-19, but the emphasis was placed on a simple cold and the resulting deterioration of condition. An Italian media outlet reported that the Pope underwent a COVID-19 test and received a negative result.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.