Following ‘breathing crisis,’ Pope Francis resting well, conscious and alert

Pope Francis, 88, is resting after a breathing crisis following a peaceful night, the Vatican reported Saturday. 

Francis experienced a bronchospasm Friday that led to vomiting and inhalation crisis. He was put on a non-invasive, mechanical ventilator. The Vatican said the pontiff is responding well to the treatment and remains conscious and alert. 

The pope was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli Hospital on Friday Feb. 14, following a respiratory tract infection and continues to be treated for bilateral pneumonia.