AKIPRESS.COM - Pope Francis has been tested for coronavirus after suffering from 'cold-like' symptoms in recent days, Mirror reports. 

The 83-year-old Pontiff, who had part of one lung removed because of an illness decades ago, reportedly tested negative for the virus.

The Vatican has not commented on the reports which were revealed by Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.

On Sunday, Pope Francis was seen coughing and sneezing during his first public appearance in four days.

Speaking to thousands of people in St Peter's Square, the Pope announced his cold will force him to skip a week-long Lenten spiritual retreat with senior Vatican officials that had been due to start later in the day.

His spokesman Matteo Bruni dismissed speculation that Francis was anything more than slightly unwell.

Italy has registered more than 1,100 confirmed cases the virus since February 20 and at least 29 deaths - making it the worst affected country in Europe.