Vatican: Coronavirus case in the residence of Pope Francis

The Holy See press office said Saturday that a resident of the Vatican hotel where Pope Francis also lives tested positive for COVID-19.

The person was temporarily transferred from the residence of Casa Santa Marta and placed in solitary confinement, the statement of October 17 reads. Anyone who has come into direct contact with the person is also experiencing a period of isolation.

The patient is so far asymptomatic, the Vatican said. He noted that three other positive cases among residents or citizens of the city state have healed in recent days.

The statement also adds that the health measures in the event of a pandemic issued by the Holy See and the Governorate of Vatican City continue to be followed and "the health of all the residents of Domus [Casa Santa Marta] is constantly monitored".

The case inside Pope Francis' residence adds to the coronavirus cases active among the Swiss guards.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard announced on October 15 that a total of 11 members had now contracted COVID-19.

The army of 135 soldiers said in a statement that "the isolation of positive cases was immediately arranged and further checks are underway".

He also stressed that the guard is following the new severe Vatican measures to contain the virus and will offer an update on the situation "in the coming days".

Italy was one of the most affected countries in Europe during the first wave of coronavirus. More than 391.611 people in total have tested positive for COVID-19 and 36.427 have died in Italy as of October 17, according to government statistics. Once again cases are on the rise with over 12.300 active cases registered in the Lazio region of Rome.

Pope Francis met on October 17 with members of the Carabinieri, the Italian national gendarmerie, who serve in a company responsible for an area near the Vatican.

He thanked them for their work in keeping the Vatican area safe during events with pilgrims and tourists from all over the world, and for their patience with the many people, including priests, who stop them to ask questions.

"Even if your superiors do not see these hidden acts, you know well that God sees them and does not forget them!" He said.

Pope Francis also noted that every morning, when he enters his study in the Apostolic Palace, he first goes to pray in front of an image of the Madonna, and then from the window overlooks St. Peter's Square.

“And there, at the end of the square, I see you. Every morning I greet you with my heart and thank you, ”he said