Pope is unable to climb steps onto his Popemobile and has to be taken away by wheelchair as lingering problems continue to take their toll on the 87-year-old pontiff

Lingering respiratory and mobility problems are continuing to take their toll on the Pope and can be seen more than ever as he tried to get onto his popemobile after an audience at the Vatican today.

Francis again asked an aide to read his remarks and was unable to get back onto his signature vehicle after his weekly general audience in the Vatican, as lingering respiratory and mobility problems continue to affect the 87-year-old pontiff.

The event was held outside for the first time this year in a chilly St Peter's Square. Francis had an aide read his catechism lesson, as he has done for the past several days.

Last Wednesday, Francis went to hospital in Rome for unspecified diagnostic tests, the results of which have not been released.

The Pope was helped by an aide as he tried to get into the back of the popemobile

He hasn't been able to walk long distances for some time and spends most the time in his chair

He found it considerably difficult as he tried to get onto the vehicle and needed help doing so

He has been suffering on and off this winter from what he and the Vatican have said was a cold, bouts of bronchitis and the flu.

Late last year, Francis underwent a CAT scan that ruled out pneumonia, but the Pope was still forced to call off a trip to the Gulf because of acute, infectious bronchitis.

Francis has also been suffering from a fracture in the knee and inflammation of its ligaments that starting in 2022 and led to him using a wheelchair, which he has used ever since.

But he has usually managed to get around with a cane or walker and the help of aides to get him to a standing position.

On Wednesday, however, Francis appeared unable to climb up the few steps to board his popemobile at the end of his audience, even while grasping onto the handrails.

Despite his health problems, he is still continuing to do his papal duties and attend events

Popes, even ailing ones, have historically been the most photographed people in the world

Francis is still just about able to make the small walk from his wheelchair to the podium seat

He has used a walking stick to get around due to limited mobility and many recent operations

The 87-year-old has said that he would retire if his health deteriorated too much but not yet

Aides quickly brought back his wheelchair and he sat back down. He then greeted the crowd before being wheeled out of the piazza.

The Argentine pope had part of one lung removed as a young man because of a respiratory infection, and he often speaks in a whisper even when he is not ill.

In 2021, he had a chunk of his colon removed and last year had surgery to repair an abdominal hernia and remove intestinal scar tissue.