Pope Francis experienced two respiratory episodes Monday caused by a buildup of mucus, another setback for the Catholic Church leader as he nears his third week of hospitalization. The Holy See Press Office said the breathing setbacks were created by a buildup of mucus in the pope’s lungs and a bronchial spasm (a sudden tightening of airway muscles making breathing difficult).

Pope Francis suffered two respiratory crises on Monday (Mar. 3), after over two weeks of being treated at the Roman Hospital Gemelli for pneumonia in both lungs. In a statement issued by the Vatican,

In it, the Pope thanked people for their prayers and thanked his medical team for their care.Catholics have already been visiting the Gemelli hospital in Rome to pray for him - hoping he might come to the window,