Pope Francis rushed to hospital in Rome

The Pope has suffered from various health problems over the last couple of years.

The 88-year-old leader of the Catholic Church was diagnosed with bronchitis last week, and is expected to undergo tests and treatment of Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic.

A statement from the Vatican reads: "This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis."

During his last two general audiences at the Vatican, the Pope has asked an aide to read his prepared remarks.

"Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still," the Pope told the crowd on Wednesday. "I hope that next time I can."

He also recently began using a walker or cane when moving around his apartment, and is sometimes pushed in a wheelchair in public.

He suffered two falls last year, hurting his arm and chin.

The Pope has often downplayed concerns about his health and has also ruled out resigning, as his predecessor Benedict XVI did, amid concerns that he cannot meet the physical and mental demands of the papacy. 

Despite his age and health woes, Francis has remained very active in recent months, completing in September a four-nation trip — the longest of his papacy in terms of in duration and distance.