Pope Francis suffers ‘breathing crisis’ making condition suddenly worse

Vatican says pontiff was given non-invasive mechanical ventilation, to which he responded well and remains alert

Pope Francis has suffered an isolated breathing crisis" which caused him to vomit, provoking a sudden worsening" of his respiratory condition, the Vatican said.

The episode happened on Friday afternoon after the pontiff, 88, spent the morning alternating respiratory training" with prayer in the chapel at Rome's Gemelli hospital, where he has been battling pneumonia for two weeks.