Pope Francis received “non-invasive mechanical ventilation” to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement. It added that the pope “remained alert and oriented at all times.”

Pope Francis presides over a mass for the jubilee of the armed forces in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican [FILE: February 9, 2025]
Pope Francis has been battling double pneumonia in hospital for two weeks [FILE: February 9, 2025]Image: Maria Grazia Picciarella/ROPI/picture alliance
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Pope Francis suffered an “isolated breathing crisis” on Friday, the Vatican said in a statement.

The development marks a setback in the 88-year-old pontiff’s two-week long battle against double pneumonia.

“This afternoon … the Holy Father experienced an isolated bronchospasm crisis,” said the latest update about Francis’ condition.

The pope also had “an episode of vomiting with aspiration and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.” He then received the help of “non-invasive mechanical ventilation.”

Francis “remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating with the therapeutic maneuvers,” according to the statement.

Francis has been hospitalized at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital since February 14.