The leader of the Catholic Church appears to be coughing and sneezing after meetings with a crowd of believers • The country's media has raised concerns that it will be talking about the virus spreading in the country

• Pope Franzicus coughs and sweats // Photo: AP

Catholic Christian leader Pope Francis canceled his agenda Thursday after the Vatican, according to the Vatican, did not feel well, raising concerns that he was infected with the Corona virus.

During previous events in Vatican City, Francis looks coughing, sneezing and wiping his forehead in a way that is indicative of the hallmarks of the disease.

Yesterday, the pope appeared in St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, shaking hands and kissing many in the large crowd that attended the venue. The pope seems to be talking to the audience closely without any protection. The pope dedicated his sermon to the corona's sufferers.

The Vatican did not provide any information as to the nature of Francis' illness, but merely stated that it was "mild". The concern that the pope is infected is being reinforced by the rapid spread of the virus in the country.

The number of virus infections in Italy now stands at 520, most in northern Lombardy, but also in more southern provinces and the capital of Rome. 14 people died in the country as a result of the virus.