Pope Francis suffered two new episodes of acute respiratory crises and was put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican has said.
Francis had inhaled “copious” amounts of mucus in another setback in what has become a more than two-week battle to overcome a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia.
In a late update on Monday, the Vatican said the episodes were caused by a “significant accumulation” of mucus in his lungs and bronchial spasms.
“Two bronchoscopies were performed with the need for aspiration of copious secretions,” the Vatican said.
Francis remained alert, oriented and has co-operated with medical personnel.
The prognosis remained guarded.