Pope Francis is suffering from bronchitis but plans to maintain his scheduled appointments in the coming days, the Vatican said on Thursday. The pope, who told pilgrims at his general audience on Wednesday that he was suffering from a "strong cold",

The pope has faced several health challenges in recent years, including knee problems requiring a wheelchair, respiratory infections, and a fall resulting in a forearm contusion.

Pope Francis, 88, told the public at his weekly Vatican audience that he is still recovering from bronchitis and was unable to read his prepared speech. The pope once again asked an aide to deliver his remarks,

Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was still suffering from a bout of bronchitis and asked an aide to read prepared remarks for a weekly general audience at the Vatican for the second time in two weeks.