Pope Francis has remained stable after suffering two episodes of respiratory failure on Monday. In its nightly update, the Vatican said the Pope did not present any further episodes of respiratory failure or bronchospasm. "He remained afebrile, always alert, cooperative with therapies and well-oriented", the statement said.

Pope Francis, batting double pneumonia in hospital, remained stable throughout the day on Tuesday and did not have any new respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

Medics at Rome’s Gemelli University Hospital administer ‘mechanical ventilation’ after pontiff’s latest health setback.