LAST UPDATE | 28 Feb

POPE FRANCIS, WHO has been in hospital for two weeks with pneumonia, has reportedly suffered a breathing “crisis” and has been put on mechanical ventilation.

In a statement, the Vatican said the prognosis is “guarded”.

“Today, the Holy Father presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm. This led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.

“The Holy Father was promptly bronchoaspirated and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation,” it said.

It added that Francis “has always remained alert and oriented”.

The Vatican said the Pope had spent a peaceful night in hospital last night. It yesterday noted improvement in his critical clinical condition for a second straight day.

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

“As in previous days, the night passed quietly and the Pope is now resting,” the Vatican said in its morning bulletin on the 88-year-old’s health.

Last night, the Vatican said the pontiff’s clinical condition has been “confirmed to be improving”. 

He also “alternated high-flow oxygen therapy with a ventimask” and underwent “more respiratory physiotherapy”.

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Francis was also engaging in “prayer in the chapel of the hospital suite”, received the Eucharist, and has been at work.

But it said at the time that “in view of the complexity of the clinical picture, further days of clinical stability will be needed in order to determine the prognosis”. 

With reporting from Press Association