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 was seen struggling to speak during one of his meetings in the morning.

After suffering from bronchitis for more than a week and having difficulty breathing, Pope Francis was admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital Feb. 14.

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