Pope Francis on Monday suffered two attacks of "acute respiratory insufficiency," the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old continues his health fight.

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization. "The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel,

The Vatican said the pope responded well to the treatment, with a good level of gas exchange, and remained conscious and alert at all times.

Pope France, who has been in the hospital since February 14, experienced two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.

ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday, the Vatican said. The episodes were caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," the Vatican's press office said in a brief statement.

Pope Francis has had a new bronchospasm crisis as he battles pneumonia in a Rome hospital and his prognosis remains guarded, the Vatican said Friday. "The Pope in the early afternoon today, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel,