The Vatican said Monday that Pope Francis suffered two respiratory crises and was put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation to receive oxygen.
"Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency," the Holy See Press Office said in a statement. "... Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, and large secretions [removed]."
The Vatican said Francis remains "alert, oriented and cooperative," but that his prognosis remains guarded.
The setback comes after the Vatican said earlier in the day that Francis "slept well throughout the night" and was in "stable" condition as he remains hospitalized with a respiratory infection.
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Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital since mid-February as he continues to battle pneumonia in both of his lungs, which has forced him to cancel all public appearances while undergoing treatment.
The latest development is one of several setbacks for the head of the Catholic Church, including a coughing fit Friday in which he began choking on vomit that had to ultimately be extracted.
