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,

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.

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

Pope Francis will resume "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" Tuesday despite his condition remaining stable, the Vatican announced in an evening update.

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,