Francis, 88, has been pope since 2013 and has suffered from influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years. Last week, Francis told pilgrims at the weekly audience that he was suffering from a "strong cold," which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.

Pope Francis is suffering from bronchitis but plans to maintain his scheduled appointments in the coming days, the Vatican said on Thursday.

Due to lingering bronchitis, Pope Francis requested a priest to read his speech at the weekly audience. The 88-year-old pope, who has a history of health challenges, is focusing on recovery.

During the weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the 88-year-old pontiff, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, asked a priest to read his prepared statement on his behalf.

Due to a fresh bout of bronchitis, something he has experienced with increasing regularity, Pope Francis has decided to move his official meetings to his residence, rather than the more formal setting of the Vatican’s apostolic palace.