Latest on health of Pope Francis

and now the details Pope Francis has suffered another medical setback the Vatican says the 88-year-old suffered two episodes of respiratory failure earlier today he has been battling pneumonia in the hospital for more than two weeks now actions reporter John Paul is live at the Basilica of STS Peter and Paul in Center City with details and reaction John you know Rick earlier in the day the Vatican had reported that the pope rested well and then later we got news of this latest setback which really shows you how fragile the situation is the faithful gathered in St Peter Square tonight to pray for Pope Francis after news of another setback for the pontiff who's now been in the hospital for 17 days the Vatican announced today he suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure that essentially means that the patient's body is not responding to the intervention their oxygen level isn't getting to that high 95% 100% that you wanted to despite the aggressive oxygen intervention that you're getting ABC News medical correspondent Dr Darion Sutton says these are critical events and that fluid is filling his lungs two bronchoscopies were performed and he's on a mechanical ventilator now in this case it seems as though uh he responded thankfully but in these cases we we closely monitor patients after these critical events because as you've learned so far these these stages can change hour by hour if not minute by minute he was hospitalized back on February 14th and later diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs and has gone from critical to stable condition around the world the faithful had been holding prayer services for Pope Francis who's led the Catholic church since 2013 in a prayer published on Sunday the pope said he felt all your affection and closeness now the vakin says that his prognosis remains reserved they are closely watching him in the hospital as we approach the start of Lent we're live tonight outside the Basilica of STS Peters and Paul John Paul Channel 6 Action News Rick all right John thank you for that report