Two Cardinals of the Roman Curia are affected by coronavirus: Cardinal Konrad Krajewski, Apostolic Almoner, and Cardinal Giuseppe Bertello, President of the Governorate of Vatican City.
Polish Cardinal Krajewski, 57, was hospitalized with “pneumonia” symptoms on Monday, December 21, 2020, in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. Given his mission with Rome’s poorest, he is often in contact with people. The Vatican’s health services are now checking eventual contact-cases, reported on Monday evening, December 21, the daily Il Messaggero (Franca Giansoldati).
For his part, Italian Cardinal Bertello, 78, tested positive for the virus.
Concern is now mounting for Pope Francis. Last Friday, December 18, Cardinal Krajewski was seen “talking intensely” with Pope Francis before Cardinal Cantalamessa’s Advent homily, noted Il Messaggero. However, the Polish Cardinal might not yet have been contagious four days ago.
On Monday morning, Pope Francs held two audiences, for the traditional exchange of good wishes: the first with the Roman Curia and the second with Vatican employees. The Pope was seen exchanging handshakes and carrying children.
