Pope Francis taken to hospital after suffering from effects of mild flu

Francis was pushed in a wheelchair into the audience hall at the Vatican earlier in the day, appearing weary as he dropped heavily into his seat

Pope Francis arrived at the Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in a small white Fiat 500 and leaving again under escort in the same car after a short period. File picture: AP

The Pope has been taken to hospital in central Rome after the papal audience on Wednesday, having been suffering from the effects of mild flu in recent days.

The 86-year-old arrived at the Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in a small white Fiat 500 and leaving again under escort in the same car after a short period. The Vatican had no immediate comment on the matter.