Pope Francis tested negative for coronavirus after suffering illness

Pope Francis has tested negative for coronavirus after he was forced to cancel a series of engagements last week due to illness.

The 83-year-old pontiff was given a 'routine' test after falling ill on Ash Wednesday with symptoms of a cold including a cough, fever, chills and sore throat.

He was given a swab test as a precaution but the results have come back negative, according to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero.

Francis fell ill as Italy battles a coronavirus outbreak that has sickened more than 2,00 people and killed 52.