KEY POINTS

• Pope Francis has suffered an "isolated breathing crisis" in hospital, the Vatican says, marking a setback as the 88-year-old battles double pneumonia.
• Over 11,000 participants are expected to descend on Sydney's streets today (1 March), leading the charge of the annual Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade.
• The Philippine Coast Guard reported that two Russian tourists died while diving in Verde Island, Batangas, with one found without both arms, potentially due to a shark attack.