Dar es Salaam, March 2 -- VATICAN: POPE Francis, who has been battling pneumonia for two weeks, has had an “isolated” breathing crisis in hospital, the Vatican has said. It led to an episode of vomiting and a “sudden worsening of his respiratory condition” on Friday following the coughing “bronchospasm”.

The 88-year-old received gas through a face mask to help him breathe. In an update on Saturday, the Vatican said the Pope had a “peaceful night and is resting”.

Referring to the Popes peaceful night, a Vatican official added: “I think he had coffee this morning.” Earlier, Vatican sources said the Popes doctors needed 24 to 48 hours to determine whether there had been any damage...