Vatican Emergency as Two Papal Chamberlain Cardinals Test Positive for COVID-19

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Two cardinals assisting Pope Francis have consecutively tested positive for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), triggering an emergency in Vatican City's quarantine measures.

On the 22nd (local time), the Vatican announced that Cardinal Konrad Krajewski (57, Poland), who oversees charitable activities, was hospitalized in Rome, Italy, after testing positive for COVID-19.

Cardinal Krajewski is reported to be showing pneumonia symptoms and is under medical observation and treatment.

Additionally, Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello (78, Italy), the President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State responsible for national administration, also tested positive for COVID-19 around the same time.

As a result, concerns about Pope Francis's health have been raised both inside and outside the Vatican.

Cardinal Krajewski, who cares for and supports the poor and homeless, is known to regularly have audiences with the Pope.

Italy's ANSA news agency reported on the 23rd, citing Vatican sources, that following the consecutive positive cases among the Vatican leadership, the Pope underwent a COVID-19 test on the morning of the 21st. However, the Vatican has not officially confirmed whether the Pope has been tested for COVID-19.

The Pope has not worn a mask when meeting external visitors individually, which has increased concerns among his aides.

Having celebrated his 84th birthday on the 17th, the Pope reportedly had one lung removed due to illness at the age of 21, and is said to have difficulty breathing even under normal circumstances.

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