New update on Pope Francis after 'breathing crisis' saw 'condition worsen'

Pope Francis spent the morning resting after his breathing worsened the day before, the Holy See said in a statement.

"After a quiet night, the Pope is resting" the breifing read, following another on Friday which said that his breathing had deteriorated due to isolated bronchospasm.

The Holy See Press office added that the 88-year-old was being administered non-invasive mechanical ventilation and had reacted well. As such, his gas exchange levels are reported to have returned to close to their levels prior to Friday's deterioration.

Vatican News reports that following the isolated bronchospasm, around 24 to 28 will be needed to assess the results.

Meanwhile, the pontiff is still being treated at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for bilateral pneumonia, for which he was admitted on February 14 with an infecton of the respiratory tract.

The Pope's crisis on Friday was described as "isolated," but led to vomitting, the BBC has reported. The Vatican described it as a "sudden worsening of his respiratory condition".

Then, the Pope's lungs had to be aspirated, which means cleared of vomit. Despite this, the Pope is said to remain "alert and in good spirits".

In a statement the Vatican said: "In the early afternoon of today, after a morning spent alternating respiratory physiotherapy with prayer in the chapel, the Holy Father presented an isolated crisis of bronchospasm which, however, led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.

"The Holy Father was promptly bronchoaspirated and began non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response to gas exchange."

The incident isunderstood to have taken place at around 2pm, although how long it lasted is not known.

It is unclear how long he will remain in hospital. The Pope is understood to be prone to lung infestions becasue as a young man he developed pleurisy and had to have part of his lung removed.