VATICAN CITY – Pope Francis was taken to the Gemelli hospital in Rome on Wednesday for a CAT scan of his lungs, the Vatican said.

 The pontiff cancelled several engagements last week due to a “mild bout” of the flu, but carried out his usual general audience on Wednesday morning in which he apologised for still having a slight cold and was aided by Monsignor Filippo Ciampanelli who read the catechesis.

 However, he was taken to the Gemelli hospital for “diagnostic tests” after his audience, including a CAT scan on his lungs. He was accompanied by his personal doctor Massimiliano Strappetti and some guards. The pope has previously suffered from bouts of bronchitis.

 The Vatican confirmed the pontiff returned to St Peter’s after undergoing the scans.

 khg