The crisis was a new setback in the Pope's fight to recover from a complicated respiratory infection, which has lasted more than two weeks. Pope Francis has chronic lung disease and had part of one lung removed as a young man.

Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday as the 88-year-old pontiff continues to battle pneumonia, according to Vatican News, citing the Holy See Press Office.

Pope Francis suffered two new acute breathing crises on Monday and has been put back on ventilation, the Vatican said – showing the 88-year-old’s struggle with pneumonia is far from over.The pontiff also underwent two lung scans and is suffering from congestion in his chest.