Pope Francis Struggles with Bronchitis During General Audience

Vatican City: Pope Francis on Wednesday announced he was unable to read his prepared remarks for a general audience due to bronchitis. The 88-year-old pontiff requested assistance from an aide to read the text, explaining, “with my bronchitis I can’t” read.

According to Ansa News Agency, Pope Francis expressed his hope to personally address worshippers at the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall in the future, stating, “I hope next time I can.” Despite his condition, the pope continues to engage with public events, having made a video appearance on Tuesday evening at Italy’s popular Sanremo song festival. During the appearance, he praised music as a “tool of peace” and “a language that all populations speak to reach everybody’s hearts.”