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.

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.

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,