PERUGIA – After testing positive for COVID-19 a few days ago, Archbishop of Perugia-Città della Pieve and president of the Italian Bishop’s Conference (CEI), Cardinal Gualtiero Bassetti, has been transferred to ICU, the bishops’ conference said in a statement on Tuesday.

 Bassetti, 78, was admitted to Perugia’s Santa Maria della Misericordia with coronavirus on Oct. 31 but was transferred into intenstive care "during the night, after a change in vital signs,” the CEI said.

 “The bishops assure him and all the sick their support and thank the doctors, health workers and those who take care of the suffering. May the comfort and the presence of the Holy Spirit sustain those who, today, are strongly tested by the disease. The risen Lord will not lack his reassuring presence,” the CEI added.

 Bassetti is the fourth cardinal to test positive for the coronavirus this year.

 In September, Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, head of the Vatican’s evangelization congregation contracted the disease.

 In March, Cardinal Philippe Ouedraogo of Burkina Faso and Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, vicar general of the Diocese of Rome, both tested positive for COVID-19.  

 All three recovered soon after their diagnoses.

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