Pope Francis taken to hospital after suffering from the flu

Pope Francis, who has been suffering from the flu, was taken to a hospital in central Rome after the papal audience Wednesday, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis, who has been suffering from the flu, was taken to a hospital in central Rome after the papal audience Wednesday, the Vatican said. The Vatican did not immediately comment on his condition.

The 87-year-old pontiff was seen arriving at Italian capital's Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in a small white Fiat 500 and leaving again under escort in the same car after a short period, the ANSA news agency reported.

"After the general audience Pope Francis went to the Gemelli Isola Tiberina Hospital for some diagnostic tests," the Vatican said in a statement. "At the end he returned to the Vatican."

Pope Francis during an audience at The Vatican on Wednesday.Tiziana Fabi / AFP - Getty ImagesEarlier in the day Francis, seated in a wheelchair, was pushed into the audience hall at the Vatican. He appeared weary as he dropped heavily into his seat, according to Reuters. In recent weeks, he has walked the short distance to his chair, the agency added.

Francis, who has been struggling with mild flu symptoms the past week, canceled appointments Saturday and Monday, but appeared as usual for the Sunday blessing from a window overlooking St. Peter’s Square.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/pope-francis-hospital-medical-check-flu-rcna140853

---