A report by Rome daily Il Messaggero claimed that the pope was tested for the coronavirus as a “precautionary” measure amid a recent outbreak in Italy.
Francis cancelled an annual Lenten retreat for the first time in his papacy this weekend, after axing all public meetings at the end of last week because of the cold.
The new coronavirus has spread from China across much of the world, with Italy among the worst affected with more than 2000 people infected and 79 deaths.
The 83-year-old pontiff has been seen coughing and blowing his nose and his absence represents the longest sick leave of his papacy.
But the Vatican quickly shot down speculation that the pope himself had come down with the virus and dismissed his illness as a “mild indisposition”.
Pope Francis is missing a part of one lung.
It was removed when he was in his early 20s in his native Buenos Aires after he suffered from tuberculosis.
He also suffers some leg pain due to sciatica, for which he undergoes regular physical therapy and which explains his occasional difficulty climbing steps.
But he is in generally good health.
