Pope Francis’s condition continues to be “critical” after suffering a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” earlier on Saturday, the Vatican has said.

The pontiff is “more unwell than yesterday” and had received blood transfusions, the statement said.

The Vatican said the 88-year-old was alert and in his armchair, but required “high-flow oxygen” and his prognosis “remains guarded”.

The pope is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

He was first admitted on 14 February after experiencing difficulties breathing for several days.

Earlier, the Vatican had announced Pope Francis would not appear in public to lead prayer with pilgrims on Sunday, meaning he will miss the event for the second week in a row.

On Friday his doctors said there was no imminent risk to his life but he was “not out of danger”.