Pope Francis, hospitalized for more than two weeks with pneumonia in both lungs, suffered two acute respiratory failures, requiring intervention, the Vatican says.

Pope Francis on Monday suffered two attacks of "acute respiratory insufficiency," the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old continues his health fight.

ROME and LONDON -- Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday, the Vatican said. The episodes were caused by a "significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm," the Vatican's press office said in a brief statement.