Pope Francis experienced two respiratory episodes Monday caused by a buildup of mucus, another setback for the Catholic Church leader as he nears his third week of hospitalization. The Holy See Press Office said the breathing setbacks were created by a buildup of mucus in the pope’s lungs and a bronchial spasm (a sudden tightening of airway muscles making breathing difficult).

Pope Francis suffered two respiratory crises on Monday (Mar. 3), after over two weeks of being treated at the Roman Hospital Gemelli for pneumonia in both lungs. In a statement issued by the Vatican,

Pope Francis rested well overnight, the Vatican said on Tuesday, after the 88-year-old pontiff suffered a setback a day earlier as he battles double pneumonia in hospital. Francis, who has been in Rome's Gemelli Hospital since February 14,