The second and third-ranking officials under the Pontiff have tested positive for coronavirus. 67-year-old Cardinal Pietro Parolin, who is secretary of state, had slight symptoms, while the deputy secretary of state, 61-year-old Archbishop Edgar Pena Parra, from Venezuela, had no symptoms. It comes the day after Italy, which surrounds the tiny and sovereign Vatican City, reported more than 83,400 Covid cases on Monday.
Most of the Vatican’s employees live in Italy and are required to be fully vaccinated.
The two aides meet with the Pope, 85, regularly. However, it is not clear when their last meetings with him took place.
They are both self-isolated in their residences in the Vatican.
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