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.
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
Hopes grew on Friday for peace between Iran and the US after President Donald Trump said a deal could be signed as soon as this weekend, even as Tehran said it had not made a final decision on a pact.
Victims' families mark Air India crash anniversary with prayers and tributes
Families of the 260 people killed when an Air India Boeing 787 crashed in Ahmedabad a year ago gathered on Friday for prayers and a candlelight tribute to mark the anniversary of the disaster.
Ebola outbreak spreads to crowded displacement camp in Congo
Two Ebola-related deaths have been confirmed in a displacement camp in eastern Congo, the UN refugee agency said, with aid workers warning the risk of the disease spreading quickly in crowded refugee sites was high and worrying.
Fire breaks out at New Zealand's Wellington airport, disrupting flights
A blaze broke out at Wellington Airport in the capital of New Zealand on Friday, forcing evacuations from the main terminal and flight diversions.
Ukraine and Russia trade overnight drone strikes, officials say
Ukraine and Russia exchanged overnight drone strikes into early Friday, with Ukraine targeting a major oil processing and petrochemical region while Russia attacked railway stations and electrical substations.
A reckless female driver has been summoned by Dubai Police for allowing a female co-passenger sit on the door of a moving convertible to take photos.
Delivery riders will have access to more than 12,000 a/c rest areas across the UAE during the midday break this summer.
A Dubai court has sentenced a driver to three months in prison and suspended his driving licence for one year after a dangerous road rage incident.
