BREAKING Pope Francis tested for coronavirus after missing service with ‘mystery illness’

Pope Francis has been tested for coronavirus after skipping services with a mystery illness and speaking of his “closeness” to victims.

The 83-year-old was ordered to undergo extensive testing after coming down with flu-like symptoms as the deadly virus ravaged northern Italy.

Fears were raised for the elderly pontiff’s health after he repeatedly blew his nose and spoke with a hoarse voice at a service last Wednesday.

It comes after he told an Ash Wednesday service of his “closeness to those are ill with coronavirus”.

He told worshippers: “I wish, again, to express my closeness to those who are ill with coronavirus and to health-care workers who are caring for them.”

Italian newspaper Il Messaggero reported that the test came back negative.

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