The 88-year-old pontiff was diagnosed with bronchitis last week but had continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite.

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

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,

"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.

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

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

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

Pope Francis has spent a "quiet night" in hospital as medical tests are expected to continue over the weekend due to a respiratory tract infection, Italian media reports.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling health problems for years, is being treated in a Rome hospital.