Pope Francis’s health has taken a turn for the worse, according to the Vatican. He has been in critical condition after a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.”

In a statement posted to the Vatican News on Friday, the Vatican said the pope, who is undergoing respiratory physiotherapy, experienced “an isolated episode of bronchospasm. This caused an episode of vomiting, which led to him inhaling some and a sudden worsening of his respiratory condition.”

The 88-year-old underwent bronchial aspiration to clear his airways and was placed on non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which improved his oxygen levels, according to the Vatican.

The pope’s bronchitis was publicly announced on Feb. 6 and has been hospitalized since February 14 at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

He has remained alert and aware at all times, cooperating with treatments, according to the latest statement.

The prognosis, therefore, remains guarded.