Pope Francis was put on mechanical ventilation Friday after suffering a major health setback as he fights a complex respiratory illness, the Vatican announced.

The Holy Father, 88, suffered an isolated episode of bronchospasm, or a sudden narrowing of the airways in the lungs and then experienced vomiting and a “sudden worsening of his respiratory condition,” the Vatican said.

Pope Francis subsequently had fluids removed from his lungs and was provided non-invasive mechanical ventilation. He “remained alert” throughout the process and cooperated with the treatments.

This morning, Pope Francis received the Holy Eucharist and the prognosis “remains reserved,” the Vatican said Friday evening. The Pontiff continues to receive treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome after being hospitalized February 14 due to a pneumonia and a respiratory infection.

Last weekend, it was revealed that Pope Francis was in critical condition because of his respiratory illness, causing widespread concern and calls for prayer. Pope Francis has a long history of lung problems dating back to childhood, when he had one lung removed because of an infection.

Catholics around the Vatican and across the world have come together to pray for the Pope’s recovery. Hundreds of lay Catholics and clergy have began gathering at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City to pray the Rosary nightly for the Pope’s health. Vice President JD Vance, a Catholic convert, led a prayer for Pope Francis at the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast in Washington, D.C., Friday morning.

Over the past few days, Pope Francis was resting well and making slight progress in his healing before the setback, according to Vatican updates. He has continued calling the only Catholic parish in the war-torn Gaza Strip during his time in the hospital, a practice the Pope began after Hamas terrorists committed mass civilian slaughter on October 7 prompted the terror group’s war against Israel.

“I have recently received many messages of affection, and I have been particularly struck by the letters and drawings from children. Thank you for your closeness, and for the consoling prayers I have received from all over the world!” Pope Francis said on X Sunday.

With Catholics set to begin Lent, the period of preparation for Easter, Pope Francis delivered a message of hope as the Catholic Church celebrates its year of Jubilee throughout 2025. He asked Catholics to reflect on their lives compared to those fleeing violence and emphasized the need for journeying together in hope.

“This Lent, God is asking us to examine whether in our lives, in our families, in the places where we work and spend our time, we are capable of walking together with others, listening to them, resisting the temptation to become self-absorbed and to think only of our own needs,” the message reads.

It is dated February 6, before the Pontiff’s hospital stay.