Pope Francis suffered two new breathing attacks on Monday, requiring two separate bronchoscopies, the Vatican said, as the 88-year-old pontiff struggles to recover from pneumonia.Today, the

Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday as the 88-year-old pontiff continues to battle pneumonia, according to Vatican News, citing the Holy See Press Office.

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).