Pope Francis faces breathing crisis, Vatican

The Vatican on Friday confirmed that Pope Francis suffered a health setback after a severe coughing fit led to the inhalation of vomit, prompting doctors to administer non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

The 88-year-old has been battling pneumonia for two weeks and his health hasn’t improved in last couple of days at Rome’s Gemelli hospital.

Vatican said that his lungs had to be aspirated – cleared of the vomit – and he is now receiving gas through a face mask to help him breathe.

According to BBC, the Pope’s doctors need 24-48 hours to determine whether there has been any damage or set back to his condition.

However, he remains alert and “in good spirits”, the publication citing its sources reported.

It was reported that his health crisis happened at around 14:00 local time.

This latest episode comes after a couple of days in which Vatican statements had been slightly more positive, talking of a “slight improvement” in Pope Francis’ condition.

It is worth mentioning here that, the Pope was admitted to hospital on 14 February after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days.

He was first treated for bronchitis before being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.