Pope Francis had a peacful night and was rested

Pope Francis had a "peaceful" night and was rested, the Vatican said, after revealing on Saturday that his condition continues to be "critical".

The pontiff was described as "more unwell" than on Friday and he has received blood transfusions as he suffers from a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis".

The 88-year-old is being treated for pneumonia in both lungs at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome.

The blood transfusions were deemed necessary due to a low platelet count, associated with anaemia, the Vatican said.