LAST UPDATE | 1 Mar

POPE FRANCIS IS in a “stable” condition, the Vatican said today.

It once again declined to offer a prognosis.

The 88-year-old had suffered a breathing “crisis” on Friday, but Saturday’s evening bulletin said this was not repeated, adding: “The clinical conditions of the Holy Father have remained stable.”

The Pontiff yesterday was placed on an non-invasive mechanical ventilator after reportedly suffering a breathing ‘crisis’. His office said this morning that he may remain on the machine for up to 48 hours.

Thanks to the intervention, his breathing has returned to levels similar to those before the episode yesterday, it has been reported. The Vatican said yesterday that Francis “has always remained alert and oriented”.

Pope Francis has remained in Gemelli Hospital in Rome with pneumonia for over two weeks, the longest amount of time that he has been under a doctor’s attention of his Pontificate.

His condition worsened yesterday following an isolated bronchospasm, which was described as a ‘breathing crisis’, before he was placed under non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

People gathered in St Peter's Square, at The Vatican, last night for a rosary service. Alamy Alamy

After being admitted to hospital on 14 February for breathing difficulties, concerns for the pontiff’s health increased as his condition deteriorated into pneumonia in both lungs.

Medical experts have warned that Francis’ age and the chronic respiratory disease from which he suffers mean a sustained recovery will take time. The Pope also had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man and is prone to bronchitis.

Nonetheless, Francis has continued to work from the special hospital suite on the Gemelli’s 10th floor. He also has been doing breathing exercises in between resting and praying, according to the Vatican.

Includes reporting by AFP