Pope Francis suffers setback in battle against pneumonia

The development marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat reports from doctors treating Francis at Rome’s Gemelli hospital since February 14

Candles for Pope Francis have been lit at the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic, in Rome (Alessandra Tarantino/AP)

Pope Francis suffered a bronchial spasm on Friday that resulted in him breathing in vomit, requiring non-invasive mechanical ventilation, in a setback in his two-week battle against pneumonia, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old pope responded well, with a good level of gas exchange, and remained conscious and alert at all times, a spokesperson said.