By Hada Messia, CNN
Pope Francis, left, and former Pope Benedict, right.
Rome (CNN)Pope Francis and former Pope Benedict have received the first dose of a coronavirus vaccine, the Vatican said Thursday.
Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said in a statement that he was able to confirm that within the vaccine program of the Vatican City State, to this date the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine has been administered to Pope Francis and Pope Emeritus.
The statement did not say when 84-year-old Pope Francis or his 93-year-old predecessor were inoculated. Vatican City began its vaccine program on Wednesday in a medical center set-up inside its main Auditorium Hall, where the pontiff often holds his weekly audiences. Both men are at higher risk of contracting the virus because of their age.