Live updates: Ecumenical Patriarch tests positive for virus

Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is displaying mild symptoms

ISTANBUL — Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, has tested positive for COVID-19 and is displaying mild symptoms.

The Istanbul-based Patriarchate said Friday that Bartholomew, who is 81 and recently had heart surgery, is fully vaccinated. It added that “his general condition is good.”

The Patriarch has urged people to get their shots and follow the recommendations of doctors.

Bartholomew was hospitalized overnight in the United States in late October and later had a stent installed to open up a clogged coronary artery.