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.

Making the effort to use his own voice at the end of the audience, the pope earnestly pleaded with Catholics to “do our best” to bring an end to all conflicts.

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,

The Vatican on Wednesday announced that Pope Francis had appointed three new bishops to dioceses in the United States. The Archdiocese of Cincinnati and the Dioceses of Sioux City and Norwich all received new appointments, the Holy See said in a press statement.

In one of three episcopal appointments in the United States announced on Feb. 12, Pope Francis has appointed a successor to Archbishop Dennis Schnurr of Cincinnati, who has had a checkered tenure, and has been battling cancer since last May.

The Diocese of Norwich has a new bishop. Pope Francis appointed Bishop-elect Richard Reidy as the sixth Bishop of Norwich. The Vatican made the official announcement on Wednesday in Rome. It came the same day that Channel 3 learned of a settlement reached between the diocese and victims of sex abuse.