Pope has health setback with two 'acute' respiratory failures, Vatican says

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis has experienced two instances of "acute respiratory failure," drawing widespread attention.

The latest medical report details that the Pope's condition on Monday was caused by "significant mucus buildup in the bronchi." To assist his breathing, the Pope had to use "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" equipment.

The statement also indicated that the Pope is suffering from bronchospasms, similar to an asthma attack. As a result, doctors needed to perform two bronchoscopies to assess the condition of his airways.

The Vatican stated that the Pope's prognosis remains "cautious," meaning he is not yet out of danger. This is undoubtedly another setback for the 88-year-old Pope, who is still battling bilateral pneumonia.

Previously, a relatively optimistic statement was released over the weekend, but now news of the Pope's breathing difficulties has emerged again. Francis has been receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome since February 14 and has not appeared in public since. He was admitted due to a severe respiratory infection, which has led to other complications. Over the past two years, Francis has suffered from various illnesses and is prone to lung infections because he had pleurisy and had part of a lung removed when he was younger.