The discovery brings the epidemic to the city-state surrounded by Italy, which has confirmed more than 3,800 cases and 148 deaths due to the virus.  

Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said the new case was diagnosed on Thursday and that services in Vatican clinics had been suspended in order to deep clean the areas.

Bruni gave no details on whether the person who tested positive was a Vatican employee living in Italy or was among the few clergy and guards who live inside its walls. 

Pope Francis himself tested negative for the virus after suffering from a cold last week. Today his official Twitter account said he wishes to 'express my closeness to those who are ill with the coronavirus'. 

The Vatican has also put another official into protective quarantine and shut the doors of its Apostolic Library to guard against the spread of the virus. 

Most Vatican employees who use its health services live in Italy, on the other side of the border with the 108-acre city state.