Vatican City: Pope Francis' respiratory condition worsened following an isolated bronchospasm, the Vatican said on Friday. The Pope "after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel, experienced an isolated episode of bronchospasm," the Holy See press office said in a statement.

According to Anadolu Agency, this caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition. It added that the pontiff was promptly subjected to bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and was put on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels.

He has stayed alert and aware throughout, cooperating with the therapeutic treatment, it added. The 88-year-old has been at Rome's Gemelli Hospital since Feb. 14 and is being treated for double pneumonia. He was elected as Pope Benedict XVI's successor at the age of 76 on March 13, 2013.