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",

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, despite suffering from bronchitis, intends to carry on with his planned appointments, according to a statement from the Vatican on Thursday. The pope, who disclosed to pilgrims during his general audience on Wednesday that he was battling a "strong cold",