ROME: Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis, the latest in a series of health problems for the 88-year-old pontiff.

Pope Francis, who has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, held his morning meetings as planned before heading to Rome`s Gemelli hospital, the Vatican said. He was hospitalised for `some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting`, it said.

A couple of hours later,it said two audiences due to be held by the pope on Saturday and Monday have been cancelled, while a cardinal will lead mass on Sunday in Pope Francis`s place.

The Argentine pontiff, who took over as head of the Catholic Church in 2013, will be staying at the Gemelli in a suite used exclusively by popes, which has its own chapel.

The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has been suffering with breathing difficulties for over a week, asking aides several times to read his speeches aloud on his behalf.-AFP