Vatican says Pope Francis had two new breathing attacks

The head of the Catholic Church has been in hospital for over two weeks. The 88-year-old pontiff is battling to recover from double pneumonia.

Pope Francis on Monday suffered two new breathing attacks and was put back on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, the Vatican said.

"Today, the Holy Father experienced two episodes of acute respiratory failure," the Holy See said in a statement.

The breathing issues were caused by a "significant accumulation" of mucus in Francis' lungs, and bronchial spasms which cause airway obstruction.

"Two bronchoscopies were performed with the need for aspiration of copious secretions," according to the Vatican.

"In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times. The prognosis remains guarded," the statement said.

Pope Francis' health remains fragile

The development is another setback in the 88-year-old pontiff's battle to recover from pneumonia.

On Sunday, the Vatican said the Argentine pope's condition was stable after suffering an "isolated breathing crisis" and receiving non-invasive, mechanical ventilation on February 28.

Francis has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14 and has not been seen in public since being admitted — his longest absence from public view since his papacy started in March 2013.

Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez