Pope Francis is back on a ventilator after suffering 'two respiratory failures'

Pope Francis has today been put back on ventilation after suffering two new episodes of respiratory crises, the Vatican said.

The Vatican announced that the Pope's health worsened today following a weekend where the Pontiff, 88, 'rested well' after suffering a coughing fit on Friday evening.

Francis reportedly suffered two episodes of respiratory crisis caused by a 'significant' amount of mucus accumulation in his lungs and bronchial spasms.

The Pope is said to have inhaled 'copious' amounts of mucus but remained alert, oriented and cooperated with medical personnel.

'Today, the Holy Father suffered two episodes of acute respiratory insufficiency, caused by a significant accumulation of endobronchial mucus and consequent bronchospasm,' this evening's statement from the Vatican read.

'Two bronchoscopies were therefore performed, with the need to remove large secretions.

'In the afternoon, non-invasive mechanical ventilation was resumed. The Holy Father remained alert, oriented and cooperative at all times. 

'The prognosis remains guarded.' 

The latest setback in the Pontiff's battle against pneumonia in both lungs comes as he endures his seventeenth day at Rome's Gemelli Hospital.

Pope Francis also issued a message from the hospital earlier today after Vatican officials urged him to let his voice be heard amid his ongoing troubles with his health. 

He addressed what he called a 'planetary crisis' in a letter to the general assembly of the Pontifical Academy for Life following a cry from one of his closest friends, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia.

'We need men like him who are truly universal and not only-one side,' said Paglia after a press conference following the launch of the Vatican's new bioethics academy.