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.

Francis had inhaled “copious” amounts of mucus in another setback in what has become a more than two-week battle to overcome a complex respiratory infection and pneumonia.

Pope Francis suffered two new acute breathing crises on Monday and has been put back on ventilation, the Vatican said – showing the 88-year-old’s struggle with pneumonia is far from over.The pontiff also underwent two lung scans and is suffering from congestion in his chest.