Pope Francis will be hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic at the end of Friday’s daily audiences to undergo some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue his ongoing treatment for bronchitis in the hospital,

Pope Francis will go into hospital in Rome for treatment for bronchitis and medical examinations, the Vatican said Friday.

"Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still," the pope said. "I hope that next time I can." Francis, 88, has been pope since 2013 and has suffered from influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years.

Pope Francis has been hospitalized for bronchitis and has cancelled events for the next three days. “This morning, at the

The Vatican announced earlier this month the Pope was suffering from bronchitis and would hold audiences at his residence.

Pope Francis was admitted to hospital with pneumonia and bronchitis and remains in a critical condition having gone on to develop a problem with his kidneys

Pope Francis, 87, was hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and 'diagnostic tests' on Friday, Feb. 14, the Vatican said in a news release.

As Pope Francis continued to show "some" improvement in his lab tests, the pontiff remained hospitalized with a respiratory tract infection on Sunday, the Vatican said.

Leader of world’s 1.4 billion Catholics admitted to the Gemelli Hospital for diagnostic tests and further treatment.

Pope Francis was to be hospitalized for bronchitis treatment and necessary diagnostic testing after his Friday audiences, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis was hospitalized in Rome for bronchitis treatment, clearing schedule amid ongoing health concerns.