Pope in hospital for diagnostic tests

RELIGIONS NEWS AGENCY (REDNA) – Pope Francis was brought to a hospital in Rome for diagnostic testing after the papal audience Wednesday.

Vatican said the pope arrived at the Gemelli Hospital on Tiber Island in a small white Fiat 500, leaving again under escort in the same car after a short visit.

Earlier in the day, the 86-year-old pope was pushed in a wheelchair into the audience hall at the Vatican, appearing weary as he dropped heavily into his seat.

In recent weeks he has walked the short distance to his chair, but he has been struggling with mild flu symptoms the past week.