Pope Francis said on Wednesday he was still suffering from a bout of bronchitis and asked an aide to read prepared remarks for a weekly general audience at the Vatican for the second time in two weeks.

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.

Making the effort to use his own voice at the end of the audience, the pope earnestly pleaded with Catholics to “do our best” to bring an end to all conflicts.

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",

Due to lingering bronchitis, Pope Francis requested a priest to read his speech at the weekly audience. The 88-year-old pope, who has a history of health challenges, is focusing on recovery.

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.

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,