Pope Francis' condition remained stable on Tuesday, and his prognosis remains reserved, according to the Vatican. The pope had needed medical intervention amid two episodes of "acute respiratory failure" on Monday,

The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization.

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, 88, was placed on a non-invasive mechanical ventilator after a bronchospasm caused him to inhale vomit. His condition is “guarded.”

The development marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat reports from doctors treating Francis.

As the 88-year-old pope continued treatment, the development of the spasm and subsequent complication marked a setback in what had been two successive days of increasingly upbeat health reports.

Pope Francis’s health worsened after a respiratory crisis, the Vatican reported. A rosary prayer for him will be held in Detroit on Saturday.

After a day where Pope Francis experienced a respiratory crisis, he is now in a stable condition. He’s had no more episodes of spasms or fever and is now feeding himself once again and has been continuing respiratory physiotherapy,