Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez’ breathing has worsened during chemotherapy, putting him in a "very delicate" state.

Venezuela’s President Hugo Chavez’ breathing has worsened during chemotherapy, putting him in a "very delicate" state.

The government said late Monday that the leftist leader was breathing with the aid of a tracheal tube.

"Currently, he has a new and severe infection," Information Minister Ernesto Villegas said in a statement read from Chavez's hospital, adding that there was a "worsening of respiratory function."

The somber government statement came two weeks after Chavez, 58, checked into a Caracas military hospital following two months of treatment in Cuba, where he underwent his fourth round of cancer surgery since June 2011.

Saying Chavez continues to "cling to Christ and life," Villegas reiterated that he was undergoing "intensive chemotherapy, as well as complementary treatments" and that his "condition continues to be very delicate."

Chavez's prolonged absence -- which prevented him from being sworn into a new six-year term earlier this year -- has angered the opposition, which accuses the government of lying about his condition.