Photo credit: Vatican

Pope Francis had a challenging Monday as he suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, according to an update from the Vatican’s Holy See Press Office. The 87-year-old Pontiff experienced significant mucus buildup in his airways, leading to severe bronchospasms that made breathing difficult.

To address the issue, doctors performed two bronchoscopies to clear the secretions. Later in the day, Pope Francis resumed non-invasive mechanical ventilation to aid his breathing. Despite the health scare, the Vatican assured the public that the Pope remained "alert, oriented, and cooperative" throughout the ordeal.

While his blood tests showed no signs of a new infection—meaning his immune system isn't fighting something new—the mucus buildup is being attributed to his ongoing battle with pneumonia. The Vatican described his condition as "complex" and warned that similar respiratory episodes could occur.

With his prognosis still uncertain, the world continues to pray for Pope Francis’ recovery.