Pope FrancisFrancis (Latin: Franciscus PP.), until his election Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Pope of Rome since March 13, said on Wednesday that he was still suffering from a cold and again limited his speaking at a weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square, instead this left an assistant to read his prepared text, reports Reuters.

Pope FrancisFrancis (Latin: Franciscus PP.), until his election Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Pope of Rome since March 13, told the assembled faithful that the reason for this was "because I still have a cold and I can't read well".

The 87-year-old pontiff's health has remained problematic for the past two weeks, forcing him to cancel some engagements and avoid giving some speeches.

The Pope will receive Olaf Scholz in a private audience at the Vatican

On February 24, the Vatican announced that he was suffering from a mild flu.

Last week, Pope Francis briefly visited a hospital in Rome for a CT scan, and on Saturday said he had bronchitis.

The pope also delegated readings to an assistant at last week's general audience, which was held indoors, while Wednesday's was held outdoors in Rome's relatively mild weather.

Pope FrancisFrancis (Latin: Franciscus PP.), until his election Jorge Mario Bergoglio - Pope of Rome since March 13, who has trouble walking, arrived at St. Peter's Square in his specially designed vehicle known as the Popemobile, as usual, and reached his place by walking with a cane, appearing to be in relatively good spirits.

Despite his health problems, the pope met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday and issued a new call for an end to the Gaza conflict on Sunday.

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