Pope Francis has been tested for coronavirus after suffering with cold symptoms in recent days.
The 83-year-old, who had part of his lung removed due to an illness many years ago, has reportedly received a negative result.
The Vatican has not commented on the reports.
After being seen coughing during a public appearance on Sunday, the Pope announced he would be skipping a week-long Lenten retreat due to his illness.
He said: "Unfortunately a cold will force me not take part this year (in the retreat). I will follow the meditations from here."
His spokesman Matteo Bruni dismissed speculation that Francis was anything more than slightly unwell.
"There is no evidence that would lead to diagnosing anything but a mild indisposition," he said.
Cases of the virus continue to be recorded in Italy, which now ranks the third for the most confirmed cases in the word.
To date, the country has confirmed more than 2,000 cases of the disease.
The death toll has exceeded 50, after rising by 18 in just the last 24 hours.
Data from the WHO shows that there have been 52 deaths in Italy and 2,036 confirmed cases.
