Pope Francis’s condition remains critical after experiencing a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis on Saturday, the Vatican has announced.

According to the statement, the pontiff is in a more severe condition than the previous day and has needed to receive blood transfusions.

The Vatican informed that despite being alert and sitting in his armchair, the pope requires high-flow oxygen and the prognosis remains cautiously uncertain.

Pope Francis is currently being treated for double pneumonia at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.