Francis, 88, has been pope since 2013 and has suffered from influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years. Last week, Francis told pilgrims at the weekly audience that he was suffering from a "strong cold," which the Vatican later described as bronchitis.

During the general audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis called on the faithful to pray and do penance for peace. The Holy Father appeared at the audience, although he could not personally read the catechesis due to bronchitis.

Pope Francis will hold the scheduled audiences at his residence on Friday and Saturday, the Vatican announced. On Wednesday, the pope had asked an assistant to read his catechesis during his weekly audience due to illness.

Due to a fresh bout of bronchitis, something he has experienced with increasing regularity, Pope Francis has decided to move his official meetings to his residence, rather than the more formal setting of the Vatican’s apostolic palace.

Noting the shepherds’ openness to receive the news of the coming of Jesus, the Pope’s catechesis emphasized that it is 'the humblest and the poorest who are able to welcome the event of the Incarnation.

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, 88, told the public at his weekly Vatican audience that he is still recovering from bronchitis and was unable to read his prepared speech. The pope once again asked an aide to deliver his remarks,