Pope Francis hospitalized to treat bronchitis and undergo diagnostic tests

Pope Francis is being hospitalized to treat bronchitis and undergo some necessary diagnostic tests, confirming the latest issues with the 88-year-old’s pontiff’s health.

Francis was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday, but he has continued to hold daily audiences in his Vatican hotel suite, attended his general audience Wednesday and even presided at an outdoor Mass on Sunday.

He has, however, handed off his speeches for an aide to read aloud, saying he was having trouble breathing. Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, has long battled health problems, especially long bouts of acute bronchitis in winter. Ever since his diagnosis, Francis has appeared bloated, an indication the medication he was taking to treat the lung infection was making him retain water.