Pope Cancels Official Schedule Two Days in a Row... Growing Concern Among Catholic Faithful

Specific health condition is not disclosed

Pope Francis held his regular general audience on the 26th (local time) at St. Peter's Square in the Vatican despite the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Jiwon] Pope Francis has canceled official engagements for two consecutive days due to health reasons. As the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) is spreading in Europe, concerns about the Pope's health are growing.

On the 28th (local time), Matteo Bruni, the Vatican spokesperson, announced that all official audiences scheduled for the day were postponed due to the Pope's poor physical condition.

The specific details of the Pope's health condition have not been disclosed. However, it was reported that the Mass in the chapel within 'Santa Marta,' the residence near St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, proceeded as planned that morning.

The Pope also canceled the scheduled Lenten Mass at the Basilica of St. John Lateran in Rome the previous day. On the 26th, he showed cold symptoms such as a hoarse voice and occasional coughing.

With COVID-19 spreading in Europe, the Pope's cancellation of major events for two consecutive days due to health reasons has heightened concerns among Catholics worldwide.

Some have speculated that the Pope's illness might be related to COVID-19, but the Vatican is reported to have denied this.