Pope Francis suffers 2 episodes of "acute respiratory failure," Vatican says, more than 2 weeks into hospitalization

The Vatican said Monday evening that Pope Francis had suffered "two episodes of acute respiratory failure" over the course of the day, which it said were caused by "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm."

The statement said doctors carried out two bronchoscopies to relieve his respiratory distress. 

"In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed," the Vatican added, noting that Francis remained alert and aware and that his prognosis after more than two weeks of hospitalization for bronchitis that deteriorated into pneumonia in both lungs remained "guarded."