The Vatican has stated that Pope Francis is in critical condition after suffering a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high oxygen flow on Saturday.
The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalised for a week with a complex lung infection, which doctors later diagnosed as pneumonia.
In a late update, the Vatican confirmed that the pope also received blood transfusions after tests indicated a condition associated with anaemia.
“The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is experiencing more pain than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis is reserved,” the statement said.
Earlier, doctors revealed that Francis was battling pneumonia and a complex respiratory infection, which they described as a delicate situation. They confirmed that he would remain hospitalised for at least another week.
Despite his absence, the Vatican proceeded with its Holy Year celebrations on Saturday.
In a brief update earlier in the day, the Vatican noted that Francis had slept well overnight.
However, doctors have cautioned that the primary risk facing the pope is the potential onset of sepsis, a severe blood infection that can develop as a complication of pneumonia.