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.

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization.

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 Francis, hospitalized for more than two weeks with pneumonia in both lungs, suffered two acute respiratory failures, requiring intervention, the Vatican says.

After experiencing progressive improvement the past few days, Pope Francis experienced “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” which led to coughing and “vomiting with inhalation,” which worsened his respiratory condition, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis, 88, was placed on a non-invasive mechanical ventilator after a bronchospasm caused him to inhale vomit. His condition is “guarded.”

Francis had suffered a bronchospasm that resulted in “an episode of vomiting with inhalation” on Friday, causing a sudden worsening of his health.

Pope Francis "slept all night" following Monday's medical intervention amid two episodes of "acute respiratory failure," the Vatican said Tuesday. "The pope slept all night, now he continues his rest,

Vatican City: Pope Francis suffered an isolated episode of bronchospasm on February 28, causing vomiting and a deterioration in his respiratory condition, Vatican News reported.

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization.

ROME -- Pope Francis' condition appeared on Tuesday morning to stabilize after Monday's medical intervention amid two episodes of "acute respiratory failure," Vatican sources told ABC News.

As the 88-year-old pope continued treatment, the development of the spasm and subsequent complication marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat health reports.