Pope struggles to climb steps amid respiratory and mobility problems

Pope Francis greeted people as he left his weekly general audience in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican (AP)

Lingering respiratory and mobility problems are continuing to take their toll on the Pope.

Francis again asked an aide to read his remarks and was unable to get back onto his popemobile on Wednesday after his weekly general audience in the Vatican, as lingering respiratory and mobility problems continue to affect the 87-year-old pontiff.