Pope Francis's health remains a significant concern, with the Vatican announcing on Saturday that his condition is still classified as 'critical'.

The 88-year-old pontiff is currently alert but has suffered a respiratory attack that required the use of 'high-flow oxygen' and blood transfusions.

In a public statement, the Vatican revealed that Pope Francis experienced a lengthy asthmatic respiratory crisis earlier in the day, necessitating high-flow oxygen.

Daily blood tests showed thrombocytopenia along with anemia, which led the medical team to provide blood transfusions.

The Vatican's update underscored that the Holy Father's condition remains critical, and although he is alert, he is feeling more discomfort than he did the previous day.

Currently, the prognosis for Pope Francis is cautious.

He was first admitted to Rome's Gemelli hospital on February 14 for bronchitis; however, his condition later progressed to pneumonia affecting both lungs, causing considerable worry among the public and church officials.

Medical professionals who spoke to the media on Friday indicated that, while there is no immediate threat to the pontiff's life, he is still regarded as 'not out of danger'.