India, Feb. 23 -- Pope Francis's health has worsened and he continues to be in critical condition, the Vatican confirmed on Saturday adding that the pontiff is now "more unwell than yesterday" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis."

The 87-year-old pope, who is currently hospitalised for double pneumonia, is responding but continues to face serious health challenges, Reuters reported.

"This morning Pope Francis presented a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis, which also required the application of high-flow oxygen," the Vatican said in a statement, saying daily blood tests showed a condition associated with anaemia "which required the administration of blood transfusions".

"The Holy Father continues to be alert...