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,

All three of the retiring or retired prelates tendered their resignations to the Vatican upon their 75th birthdays in accordance with Church law.

Archbishop Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, thanked Pope Francis and said the bishops join the pontiff in prayer that “families suffering from the sudden withdrawal of aid may find the strength to endure.