Pope to be admitted to hospital for medical tests and to treat bronchitis

Pope Francis during his weekly general audience (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Pope Francis will be admitted to hospital 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, the Vatican said in a short statement.

Since being diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, the 88-year-old has continued his activities and audiences indoors at Casa Santa Marta, the Vatican residence where he lives, with a public appearance on Sunday.