Pope Francis on Monday suffered two attacks of “acute respiratory insufficiency,” the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff’s health struggles continue.
Doctors performed two procedures known as a bronchoscopies to clear his air passages as the pope suffered a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,” according to the Vatican. A bronchospasm is akin to an asthma attack.
The pope was admitted to a Rome hospital on Feb. 14 with a severe respiratory infection and has been battling double pneumonia. The Vatican said Monday that the pope’s prognosis remained “guarded,” which means he is not out of danger.
“The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times,” the Vatican said.
Contributing: Reuters
This is a developing story that will be updated.