VATICAN CITY: The Vatican said on Saturday that Pope Francis`s health had deteriorated over the past 24 hours and for the first time described his condition as `critical`, reporting he had needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions.

In a statement, the Vatican said the 88-yearold pontiff, who has double pneumonia, had suffered a `prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis`.

`The Pope`s condition remains critical,` the statement said. `He is not out of danger.

The Pope was admitted to Rome`s Gemelli hospital on Feb 14 after experiencing difficulty breathingforseveraldays.

The Vatican said doctors had to administer a `high flow` of oxygen because of his breathing problems. It added that the blood transfusions were necessary because tests showed he had a low platelet count, associated with anaemia.

The Vatican announced earlier in the day that he would not appear in public on Sunday to lead prayer with pilgrims, the second consecutive week he will have missed the event.

Double pneumonia is a serious infection that can inflame and scar both lungs, making it difficult to breathe.-Reuters