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

The 88-year-old pontiff is currently conscious but has suffered a respiratory distress episode that required the administration of 'high-flow oxygen' and blood transfusions.

In a public statement, the Vatican explained that Pope Francis encountered an extended asthmatic respiratory crisis earlier in the day, necessitating high-flow oxygen therapy.

Daily blood examinations revealed thrombocytopenia along with anemia, which led medical personnel to provide blood transfusions.

The Vatican's update highlighted that the Holy Father's health status is still critical, and although he is alert, he is experiencing greater discomfort than on the previous day.

Currently, the prognosis for Pope Francis remains 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, raising considerable concern among the public and church officials.

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