But the Vatican said the pope had responded well to the setback and remained conscious and alert at all times. Pope Francis has been at Gemelli Hospital since February 14, battlin

Pope Francis had an "isolated breathing crisis" in hospital on Friday, the Vatican said, in a setback as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia.

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis continued to improve from double pneumonia Thursday, the Vatican said, working from his hospital room and going to his private chapel to pray, though doctors said he needs more days of “clinical stability” before they revise their guarded prognosis.