VATICAN (SE): Luis Cardinal Tagle, the prefect of the Vatican Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, tested positive for the Covid-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) upon his arrival in Manila on September 10, Vatican News reported.
The Holy See Press Office confirmed on September 11 the cardinal tested positive after a swab test.
“Cardinal Tagle actually tested positive for Covid-19 with a pharyngeal swab carried out yesterday on his arrival in Manila,” a brief statement by Matteo Bruni, the director of the Holy See Press Office, said.
Cardinal Tagle, who is also president of Caritas Internationalis, is the first head of a Vatican dicastery to become afflicted with Covid-19.
Bruni told journalists that the cardinal “does not have any symptoms and will remain in mandatory self-quarantine in the Philippines, where he is located.”
He added, “In the meantime necessary checks are being carried out among those who have come into contact with His Eminence in recent days.”
Bruni was reported as clarifying that Cardinal Tagle had undergone a swab test in Rome on September 7, which turned out negative.
Earlier in the week, the 63-year old cardinal led an online recollection on Covid-19 in the Philippines, during which he criticised those taking advantage of the pandemic to make money.
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He participated on September 9 in Kaunting Pahinga (A Little Rest), an initiative organised by Caritas Philippines and the Dilaab Foundation.
“As many people are suffering and getting poorer, there are some businesses and probably individuals who are taking advantage of the situation… And they know how to capitalize on the sorrow and the needs of others for their profitability,” Cardinal Tagle told the gathering, Vatican News reported.
The cardinal expressed hope that through faith in Jesus, the pandemic would lead people to “a lifestyle of compassion and solidarity.”
The head of Caritas Internationalis pointed out that the global health crisis has increased the demand for assistance from Caritas by more than a hundred per cent.
“No one should be left alone. This gives hope to many people,” Cardinal Tagle added.
