Pope experienced respiratory failure twice

The 88-year-old spiritual leader of Catholics, Pope Francis, has been undergoing treatment at Gemelli Hospital in Rome, the capital of Italy, since February 14.

In a statement released by the Vatican, it was reported that after Pope Francis experienced "acute respiratory failure" twice today, "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" (respiratory support) was resumed to assist his breathing.

The statement noted, "Today, the Pope experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure due to the accumulation of endobronchial mucus," adding that the Pope developed bronchospasm (airway constriction) similar to an asthma attack, and that doctors performed two bronchoscopy procedures to examine his airways. It was stated that the Pope's health condition is "delicate."

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on February 14 after experiencing difficulty breathing and was diagnosed with pneumonia.