Archbishop indoors with mild swine flu

Archbishop Paul Cremona is catching up on his desk work now that he has been confined indoors for a week after being diagnosed with swine flu.

"I'll be spending my time catching up on some work I have to do, and replying to well-wishing text messages I received.

"So it's basically work as usual, but all at a more leisurely pace," he said when contacted by The Times.

He was already making use of the newly launched website, www.maltadiocese.org, by posting comments online to put people's minds at rest and thanking them all for their genuine interest in his health.

Mgr Cremona was admitted to Mater Dei Hospital on Saturday complaining of chest pains during his monthly check-up but he was released shortly after it was concluded he had nothing heart-related. The reports had led to public concern but the Curia yesterday issued a statement saying he was suffering from "a mild bout of the A (H1N1) virus".

Sounding as cheerful as ever over the telephone, Mgr Cremona gave his reassurances that he was only suffering mild symptoms of the flu and he was staying in until Saturday to avoid any possible contagion.

Reflecting on his short sojourn at Mater Dei, he said: "As soon as I left hospital, relieved and thankful I had nothing serious, I also remembered that some people come out burdened after discovering they have a serious illness.

"So not only do I thank God for being in good health but also encourage prayer for those who are suffering from something more serious."

He has called off his engagements this week.