Pope Francis has once again been unable to deliver a public address due to ongoing bronchitis.

During the weekly general audience at the Vatican on Wednesday, the 88-year-old pontiff, who leads 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, asked a priest to read his prepared statement on his behalf.

He explained that he was unable to read it aloud himself.

On Sunday, the pope also had to stop his sermon midway and asked a colleague to finish delivering the rest of the address.

Francis attributed the interruption to “breathing difficulties.”

The pope has had to adjust his schedule multiple times due to his declining health, particularly with respiratory issues that worsen during the winter months.

The Vatican confirmed that Pope Francis has been battling bronchitis for the past week, and as a result, he has held some private audiences at his residence in the Vatican, instead of the usual Apostolic Palace.

In spite of his health challenges, the pope continues to maintain a busy schedule, attending numerous appointments and meetings daily.

With the Holy Year of the Catholic Church underway and several significant pilgrimages planned, Pope Francis is expected to preside over many important events.

(dpa/NAN)