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,

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.

Pope Francis suffered an isolated episode of bronchospasm, which led to vomiting and a worsening of his respiratory condition, Vatican News reported. On the afternoon of February 28, the Holy Father experienced an isolated episode of Bronchospasm.