DISINFO: Pope Francis gets coronavirus
SUMMARY
Pope Francis and two of his assistants revealed they have coronavirus. All three are in quarantine. Analysis of samples for the COVID-19 virus produced a positive result.
RESPONSE
The statement has no evidence; this is speculation. This is a recurring pro-Kremlin narrative about the coronavirus. The reason behind this disinformation was the fact that the Pope cancelled official events and audiences for several days. However, on March 1, the Pope held the morning Mass. Pope Francis also explained that he cancelled his participation in certain events due to the common cold. It also became known that the Pope was tested for the coronavirus but the results were negative. Read a similar case that Bill Gates is sponsoring the coronavirus.