Pope Francis was taken to hospital on Friday with bronchitis and he will skip several planned public events over the next three days, the Vatican said, after the 88-year-old pontiff reportedly struggled to speak during one of his meetings in the morning.

The 88-year-old pontiff, who has been battling health problems for years, is expected to remain hospitalized in Rome, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday for the fourth time since he was elected in 2013. Francis, who was diagnosed with bronchitis last week, had part of one lung removed as a young man and has recurring bouts of bronchitis,

ROME — Pope Francis was hospitalized Friday to treat a weeklong bout of bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests, the Vatican said, confirming the latest issues with the 88-year-old pontiff’s health that forced him to cancel his agenda through Monday at least.

The 88-year-old Argentine pontiff showed breathing difficulties in recent days, having to ask his assistants to read his speeches. Pope Francisco was admitted on Friday morning to the Agostino Gemelli hospital for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for bronchitis,

Pope Francis was hospitalized on Friday as he suffers from an ongoing bout of bronchitis, the Vatican tells Fox News. He is also expected to undergo tests during his stay, according to a report.