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The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis suffered two episodes of “acute respiratory failure” on Monday due to a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm.”

The Vatican’s press office released a brief statement detailing the pope’s health condition.

Doctors explained that acute respiratory failure meant he was not responding to oxygen therapy.

They described endobronchial mucus as fluid and mucus collecting deep within the lungs, triggering a bronchospasm, commonly known as a coughing attack.

The pontiff underwent two bronchoscopies to clear the mucus, with the church stating there was a “need to aspirate abundant secretions.”

Noninvasive mechanical ventilation was resumed, and Francis remains “alert, oriented and cooperative,” the Vatican said.

Doctors noted that bronchoscopies are used to remove mucus and fluid buildup. They also clarified that the noninvasive mechanical ventilation given to the pope refers to a high-pressure oxygen mask.

Vatican sources told ABC News that mucus accumulation is a normal reaction of the lungs to pneumonia.

In its Monday evening update, the Vatican stated that the pope’s prognosis “remains reserved.”

However, Vatican sources added that his blood levels remain stable, with no increase in leucocytes, which signal infection.

The pope’s medical condition remains as previously described, but he is not yet out of danger.

Vatican sources noted that doctors remain cautious and had always considered the possibility of a crisis. They emphasised that it is common for a patient’s condition to fluctuate daily.

Earlier on Monday, the Vatican reported that Francis “rested well” overnight, marking his 17th night in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. “The pope rested well all night,” the Holy See said in a brief statement.

On Sunday, the church reported that his condition remained “stable.” Vatican sources told ABC News that he had eaten breakfast with coffee, continued his treatment, and read his daily newspapers as usual.

Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Gemelli Hospital on 14 February and diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia.

The 88-year-old pontiff had been in stable condition on Saturday after experiencing a bronchospasm attack on Friday, according to church officials.