Argentine pontiff has been at Gemelli hospital in Rome since February 14 and on Monday suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure." The 88-year-old was admitted initially for bronchitis, which then developed into pneumonia in both lungs.

Vatican said episodes were caused by 'significant accumulation' of mucus in the lungs. Pope was admitted to hospital in Rome on February 14 Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday and required use of non-invasive,