Vatican issues health update on Pope Francis following ‘respiratory crises’

The pontiff is entering his nineteenth day in hospital.

He is currently being treated at Rome's Gemelli Hospital for bronchitis which has developed into double pneumonia.

On Monday, Pope Francis suffered a series of "respiratory crises" due to a significant amount of mucus accumulation in his lungs.

In a statement last night the Holy Press Office said: "The clinical condition of the Holy Father today has remained stable.

"He has not experienced episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm.

"He has remained without a fever, always alert, cooperative with therapies, and oriented.

"This morning he transitioned to high-flow oxygen therapy and underwent respiratory physiotherapy.

"As scheduled, tonight he will resume non-invasive mechanical ventilation until tomorrow morning.

"The prognosis remains guarded.

"During the day he alternated between spending time in prayer and at rest, and this morning he received the Eucharist."

The Vatican has announced that it will go ahead with Ash Wednesday this week, with Cardinal Angelo De Donatis, the former vicar of Rome to take the Pope's place.

It has been rumoured that senior Cardinals in the Vatican have discussed the possibility of Pope Francis stepping down due to his poor health.

Elisabetta Pique, a friend of the Pope's, has said that the pontiff has no plans to resign.

She said: "He's always been a fighter. He doesn't give in under pressure The more pressure they put on him, the more likely he won't give in."