Berlusconi sick

Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was sick with flu today, forcing him to cancel appointments for the day, his office said.

Berlusconi’s office in Rome confirmed media reports that the premier had to call off a meeting with Radical Party leader Marco Pannella, as well as an appearance at the congress of the Italian Republican Party.

A spell of particularly cold, wintry weather in Rome has left many struggling with flu, including Pope John Paul II, who has been in hospital since Tuesday.