Rome Newsroom, Oct 29, 2020 / 13:00 pm
Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, the president of the Italian bishops' conference, has tested positive for COVID-19. He was admitted to Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in Perugia on Saturday.
Bassetti, the archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve, is 78 years old. His condition is being closely monitored, according to a statement released by the bishops' conference Oct. 28.
"The cardinal lives this moment with faith, hope, and courage," the bishops' conference said, noting that those who had been in contact with the cardinal were being tested.
Bishop Stefano Russo, secretary general of the bishops' conference, said Oct. 31, "we continue to be close to the Cardinal President. We accompany him with the prayers and affection of the People of God, certain that the Lord will not leave him without his consolation and support in this trial."