“The Holy Father, in the early afternoon today, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm. However, this led to an episode of vomiting with aspiration and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.

“The Holy Father was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration and initiated on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which resulted in a good response in terms of gas exchange.

“He has remained alert and oriented at all times, cooperating with therapeutic maneuvers.

“The prognosis, therefore, remains reserved.

“In the morning, he received the Eucharist.”

This statement, provided by the Holy See Press Office on Friday evening, came as the Pope continues to be treated for bilateral pneumonia in Rome’s Gemelli Hospital. He was admitted on Friday, 14 February, following an infection of the respiratory tract.