The Pope is to be admitted to hospital for tests and treatment for ongoing his bronchitis, after he admitted that he "can't read".

After Friday's daily audience he will be taken to Rome's Gemelli Polyclinic, the Vatican said.

A statement from the Vatican said: "This morning, after his audiences, Pope Francis will be admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic for necessary diagnostic tests and to continue hospital treatment for his ongoing bronchitis."

Two days ago during his weekly general audience, Pope Francis paused and said: "Me, with my bronchitis, I cannot (read) still."

Pope FrancisGetty

"I hope that next time I can," he said, before an aide continued the reading for him.

The Pope was diagnosed with bronchitis last Thursday.