A senior cardinal in the Vatican has tested positive for the novel coronavirus and is receiving treatment, local reports said late Monday.

Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the Vicar General of Rome, was tested after showing symptoms of the virus.

De Donatis, 66, was taken to Gemelli hospital in Rome and is in stable condition.

Six other individuals in the Vatican have been diagnosed with the disease. Pope Francis’ test results were negative.

After first appearing in Wuhan, China last December, the novel coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, has spread to at least 177 countries and territories, according to data compiled by U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University.

More than 777,000 cases have been reported worldwide, with the death toll over 37,000 and more than 164,000 recoveries.(Anadolu Agency)