Pope Francis faces health setback with two episodes of ‘acute respiratory failure'

Pope Francis had a health setback with “two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” the Vatican announced Monday.

Francis had to undergo two bronchoscopies and doctors had to remove secretions.

He had to be given an oxygen mask to breathe and his episodes were caused by a “significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus," according to CNN.

The Vatican said the pope was alert and cooperative during treatment. 

Francis was hospitalized last month with a mild fever and a respiratory tract infection.

He has had his share of health problems since having one of his lungs removed as a young man and often uses a walker and a wheel chair.