THE Vatican has revealed a major update on Pope Francis after he suddenly suffered an “isolated” breathing crisis while receiving treatment in hospital.

The 88-year-old pontiff experienced a sudden deterioration in his condition following a bout of bronchospasm on Friday.

Vatican said The pope had “an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of the respiratory condition.”

The sudden deterioration in his health required non-invasive, mechanical ventilation, it added.

Doctors are expected to take 24-48 hours to evaluate how the episode will impact the state of his clinical condition.

A statement from the Vatican said: “The Holy Father presented an isolated attack of bronchospasm which, however, led to an episode of vomiting with inhalation and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.”

However, the Pope had a peaceful night and was resting on Saturday after the alarming setback, officials added.

They said that medical staff acted swiftly, clearing his airways and initiating non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

“The Holy Father was promptly aspirated and started on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, with a good response on gas exchange,” the sources confirmed.

Francis has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital for days now after he was diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

Francis, who has led the Catholic Church since 2013, has a history of lung problems, having had part of one lung removed due to pleurisy as a young man.

A Vatican official, speaking anonymously, stated that the breathing issue “did not last a long time” and that doctors would need 24-48 hours to assess its impact on his clinical condition.

He has not been listed in critical condition for the past two days.

But while his condition appears to have stabilised, the prognosis remains uncertain.

In light of his fragile health, the Vatican also announced that Pope Francis will not lead the annual Ash Wednesday service on March 5, marking the beginning of Lent.

A senior Vatican official will take his place for the significant Church event.

Despite his hospitalization, the Pope has continued to oversee Vatican affairs.

Daily staff appointments requiring his approval are still being announced, and on Friday, the Vatican released a papal letter to participants in a Church training course in Rome, signed by Francis with a note stating it was sent “from Gemelli hospital.”

Cardinal Michael Czerny, head of the Vatican’s development office, told Italy’s La Stampa newspaper that while Francis is improving, it is happening “slower than what we would like.”

The Vatican has also firmly denied that Francis is considering stepping down – despite growing speculation about a possible resignation.

The Pope’s illness has prompted an outpouring of support from the faithful.

Thousands have been gathering in St. Peter’s Square to pray for his recovery, while visitors at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital — where he is being treated — paused to offer prayers at the statue of St. John Paul II outside the main entrance.

How will the next Pope be chosen?

THE next Pope is chosen through a process called a papal conclave, which takes place after the current Pope dies or resigns.

Here’s how it works:

1. The College of Cardinals is summoned to the Vatican
2. The cardinals meet in the Sistine Chapel and vote by a secret ballot
3. They will prepare for the upcoming papal elections – called a conclave
4. These Catholic leaders will vote once on the first days and four times a day on each additional day
5. This vote will continue until one candidate gets two-thirds of the vote
6. The nominee must then accept the offer and choose their new papal name
7. This outcome will be confirmed to the public when white smoke burns out of the Sistine Chapel chimney