Pope Francis tests negative for coronavirus: report

Pope Francis has reportedly tested negative for coronavirus.

According to a report in the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, he was forced to cancel a Lent retreat for the first time in his papacy due to a cold.

Pope Francis, who had part of one lung removed because of an illness decades ago, had cancelled most audiences last week as well. 

The Vatican did not immediately respond to the reports. 

It comes as Italy is battling a surging outbreak of the coronavirus, with 52 deaths reported on Monday.