VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis was admitted to the Gemelli Hospital Tuesday for what Vatican sources said was a planned “check-up” visit. He returned to the Vatican a short time later, Vatican chief spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

 The sources quoted by Italian media said the 86-year-old pontiff was at the hospital’s centre for geriartic medicine, arriving at 10:40 a.m.

 Messaggero newspaper quoting Vatican sources said the pope's regular weekly general audience would be held Wednesday as normal.

 Francis was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in March for several days after being taken ill during his weekly general audience with what was diagnosed as a respiratory infection.

 The pope is due to make a gruelling trip to Mongolia in August for a visit only announced by the Vatican Saturday.

 jp