Pope Francis, 88, was placed on a non-invasive mechanical ventilator after a bronchospasm caused him to inhale vomit. His condition is “guarded.”

The Vatican said the pope responded well to the treatment, with a good level of gas exchange, and remained conscious and alert at all times.

After experiencing progressive improvement the past few days, Pope Francis experienced “an isolated crisis of bronchospasm” which led to coughing and “vomiting with inhalation,” which worsened his respiratory condition, the Vatican said.

Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on Feb. 14 and was diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. The 88-year-old pontiff had a bronchospasm ...

ROME -- Pope Francis' condition remained stable on Tuesday, and his prognosis remains reserved, according to the Vatican. The pope had needed medical intervention amid two episodes of "acute ...

There's a first time for everything.But the phrase "copious secretions" in an official update from the Vatican on Pope Francis? That level of detail may be surprising even to those who aren't aware historically how taboo it was considered to openly discuss a pope's health.