The Pope has been admitted to hospital for treatment for bronchitis.
After Friday’s daily audience he was taken to Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican said in a short statement.
“This morning, at the end of his audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli for some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue his treatment for bronchitis, which is still ongoing, in a hospital environment,” it said.
During an address at the Vatican this week, Pope Francis asked an aide to read his prepared remarks.
“Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still,” the Pope said. “I hope that next time I can.”
The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was diagnosed with bronchitis last week, but since then has continued his activities and audiences.
The Pope has suffered from influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years.
He uses a walker or cane when moving around his apartment, and is sometimes pushed in a wheelchair in public, and recently fell twice, hurting his arm and chin.
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