Pope has 'isolated' breathing crisis in hospital

The Vatican says Pope Francis who has been battling pneumonia for two weeks, has had an "isolated" breathing crisis in hospital.

BBC News says it led to an episode of vomiting and a "sudden worsening of his respiratory condition" on Friday following the coughing "bronchospasm".

They say the 88-year-old's lungs had to be aspirated - cleared of the vomit - and he is now receiving gas through a face mask to help him breathe.

They add that the Vatican sources say the Pope's doctors need 24-48 hours to determine whether there has been any damage or set back to his condition. For now they are not giving any prognosis.

[Source: BBC News]