The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization. "The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel,

As the 88-year-old pope continued treatment, the development of the spasm and subsequent complication marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat health reports.

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