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,

Pope Francis, hospitalized for more than two weeks with pneumonia in both lungs, suffered two acute respiratory failures, requiring intervention, the Vatican says.