The Vatican says Pope Francis rested during a peaceful night. The brief update came after doctors said the 88-year-old pope was in critical condition.

The 88-year-old is being treated for double pneumonia and chronic bronchitis and has now spent more than a week in hospital.

The Vatican announced Saturday that Pope Francis remains in critical condition at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital following a respiratory crisis that required blood transfusions.

The Vatican said on Saturday that Pope Francis' 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.