The Vatican said Friday that Pope Francis is on a breathing machine after suffering a sudden respiratory episode during his hospitalization. "The Holy Father, this afternoon, after a morning spent alternating between respiratory physiotherapy and prayer in the chapel,

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 has reportedly spent a night without additional complications following a severe new bout of breathlessness, the Vatican said on Saturday morning. "The night was peaceful. The Pope is resting,