Pope Francis admitted to hospital for severe bronchitis

Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital this Friday to undergo diagnostics and treatment related to the bronchitis he is currently suffering from, the Holy See announced.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff showed breathing difficulties in recent days, and had to ask his aides to read his interventions. The holy father was admitted after his morning audiences, the Vatican specified.

"This morning, at the end of the audiences, Pope Francis was admitted to the Policlinico Agostino Gemelli to undergo some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue in a hospital environment his treatment for bronchitis, which is still continuing," the statement reads.