Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was still suffering from a bout of bronchitis and asked an aide to read prepared remarks for a weekly general audience at the Vatican for the second time in two weeks.

During the general audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray and do penance for peace. The Holy Father appeared at the audience, although he could not personally read the catechesis due to bronchitis.

Due to a fresh bout of bronchitis, something he has experienced with increasing regularity, Pope Francis has decided to move his official meetings to his residence, rather than the more formal setting of the Vatican’s apostolic palace.

Pope Francis is suffering from bronchitis but plans to maintain his scheduled appointments in the coming days, the Vatican said on Thursday. The pope, who told pilgrims at his general audience on Wednesday that he was suffering from a "strong cold",

Due to lingering bronchitis, Pope Francis requested a priest to read his speech at the weekly audience. The 88-year-old pope, who has a history of health challenges, is focusing on recovery.

Noting the shepherds’ openness to receive the news of the coming of Jesus, the Pope’s catechesis emphasized that it is 'the humblest and the poorest who are able to welcome the event of the Incarnation.

The pope has faced several health challenges in recent years, including knee problems requiring a wheelchair, respiratory infections, and a fall resulting in a forearm contusion.

Pope Francis, 88, told the public at his weekly Vatican audience that he is still recovering from bronchitis and was unable to read his prepared speech. The pope once again asked an aide to deliver his remarks,