Pope Francis Falls Ill Day After Praying For Coronavirus Sufferers

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic Church worldwide, is reportedly sick and skipped a planned Mass with Rome clergy across town on Thursday just a day after he prayed for coronavirus sufferers in Italy.

According to the UK Mirror, the pontiff prayed for coronavirus victims on Ash Wednesday, while mask free, and even took time to shake hands and kiss worshippers.

During the Ash Wednesday, the Jesuit pope said: “I wish, again, to express my closeness to those who are ill with coronavirus and to health-care workers who are caring for them.”

“Because of a slight indisposition, he preferred to stay inside Santa Marta,” the Vatican said, referring to the guest house where the 83-year-old pontiff lives.

“All other commitments will go ahead regularly,” spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

In Italy, the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto are locked down, following the report of over 500 cases and 14 deaths from coronavirus.