In a late update, the Vatican said the episodes were caused by a 'significant accumulation' of mucus in his lungs and bronchial spasms.

Pope Francis experienced “two episodes of acute respiratory failure,” the Vatican said Monday, marking the latest in a series of medical crises the 88-year-old pontiff has endured since he was first hospitalized last month.

The Vatican hasn't released any photos or videos of Francis since before he entered the hospital on Feb. 14 with a complex lung infection. This has become the longest absence of h