Pope Skips Lent Retreat For The First Time In His Papacy Due To A Cold

The Pope today skipped a retreat he holds dear due to a cold, Reuters reports. The Lent spiritual retreat was slated for this afternoon and the congregation was informed last minute that the pope would not take part due to a cold.

According to the publication, the Pope who was seen coughing and sneezing, made the announcement at St Peter’s square when he said:

Unfortunately a cold will force me not take part this year (in the retreat). I will follow the meditations from here

I will unite myself spiritually with the (participants) and all people who are living moments of prayer. I will do the spiritual exercises from home

Meanwhile, Italy has recorded 1100 cases of COVID-19 since 20 February 2020. Over 2500 people have died due to the coronavirus and over 86 000 infection cases have been confirmed worldwide.

More: Reuters