THE Pope has had two episodes of "acute respiratory failure", the Vatican has revealed in a worrying new health update.
The pontiff, 88, has been hospitalised in Rome since February 14 but his condition has appeared to worsen and he is now back on a ventilator.
In a statement today, The Vatican said his condition was caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm."
The church added: "Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed with the need for aspiration of abundant secretions.
"In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father has always remained vigilant, oriented and collaborative.
"The prognosis remains reserved."
This comes after the Press Office of the Holy See this morning said: "The Pope rested well all night."
The Holy Father suffered a breathing crisis from an isolated bronchospasm on Friday.
The Vatican said Francis had "an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition."
He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.
Monday morning's good news had come after a string of positive days for Francis.
The evening's worrying update has halted hopes that the pontiff's condition was continuing to improve.
On Sunday, the Vatican secretary of state said that Francis thanked doctors and well-wishers and also prayed for peace in Ukraine.
Francis said in his message: "From here, war appears even more absurd."
He added that he was living his hospitalisation as an "experience of profound solidarity" with people who are "sick and suffering everywhere".
"I feel in my heart the blessing that is hidden within frailty, because it is precisely in these moments that we learn even more to trust in the Lord," Francis said in the text.
"At the same time, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to share in body and spirit the condition of so many sick and suffering people."
Francis was also able to read the Sunday papers and had coffee and breakfast while continuing with his therapy.
But the Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will not lead the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5, marking the beginning of Lent.
Thousands have been gathering in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while visitors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — where he is being treated — paused to offer prayers at the statue of St. John Paul II outside the main entrance.
Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of lung problems, having had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy as a young man.
But while his condition appears to have stabilised, the prognosis remains uncertain.
Daily staff appointments requiring his approval are still being announced, and on Friday, the Vatican released a papal letter to participants in a Church training course in Rome, signed by Francis with a note stating it was sent "from Gemelli hospital."
Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican's development office, had told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper that while Francis is improving, it is happening "slower than what we would like."
The Vatican has also firmly denied that Francis is considering stepping down - despite growing speculation about a possible resignation.
The Pope’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support from the faithful.
THE next Pope is chosen through a process called a Papal Conclave, which takes place after the current Pope dies or resigns.
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