Vatican City

Pope Francis suffered two episodes of "acute respiratory insufficiency" on Monday as the 88-year-old pontiff continues to battle pneumonia, according to Vatican News, citing the Holy See Press Office.

In a statement on Monday, the Holy See Press Office said, "Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm."

"Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions," it added.

It further said that non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed in the afternoon. According to the statement, Pope Francis remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times.

In a statement, the Holy See Press Office said, "In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times," Vatican News reported.

"The prognosis remains guarded," it added.

Pope Francis's test values are unchanged, suggesting that he does not have leukocytosis (a high white blood cell count). This, in turn, suggests that there is no new infection, and the accumulation of mucus is merely the consequence of the pontiff's pre-existing pneumonia.

The cause of the two attacks was the bronchi's reaction, which attempted to expel the accumulated mucus to eliminate the bacteria. The pontiff's clinical condition remains complex, and further crises, such as those that occurred this afternoon, are possible.

Earlier on March 2, Pope Francis made a passionate plea for peace, describing war as "absurd," according to the Holy See Press Office release.

Pope Francis made a poignant plea for peace, specifically mentioning several conflict-ridden regions around the world. He urged the faithful to pray for Ukraine, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, Kivu, Palestine and Israel.

In an Angelus address prepared by Pope Francis while he continues his hospital treatment and published by the Holy See Press Office, the Pope thanked the faithful for their closeness in his moment of "frailty." He urged them to continue praying for peace in the world, just as they pray for him.

Expressing his gratitude for the faithful's prayers and support, Pope Francis urged them to continue praying for peace in the world and called for special prayers for these conflict-torn regions: Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu.

"From here, war appears even more absurd," he said, calling in particular for prayers for "tormented Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, Lebanon, Myanmar, Sudan, and Kivu," Vatican News quoted a statement published by the Holy See Press Office.