Pope Francis is resting following a coughing fit which saw the head of the Catholic Church inhale vomit that needed to be extracted. The Holy See press office said in a short media statement on Saturday that the pontiff had a peaceful night and was resting.

The Vatican has issued a fresh statement on the health of Pope Francis, who has beenin hospita;.The terse statement gave an insight to his current state of health.

Pope Francis, battling double pneumonia in hospital for two weeks, had an "isolated breathing crisis" on Friday and received "non-invasive mechanical ventilation" to help him breathe, the Vatican said in a statement.