Pope Francis had two episodes of 'acute respiratory insufficiency', Vatican says

People walk near a painting depicting Pope Francis at the Gemelli Hospital, where he is admitted for treatment, in Rome, Italy, March 3, 2025. REUTERS/Remo Casilli

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital, suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday and required use of non-invasive, mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.

Francis has been in Rome's Gemelli hospital for more than two weeks. He was admitted on February 14 with a severe respiratory infection that triggered other complications.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Alvise Armellini)