Vatican City – Pope Francis' health has significantly deteriorated in the past 24 hours, with the Vatican describing his condition as "critical" for the first time. According to the official statement, the 88-year-old pontiff required supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions due to thrombocytopenia associated with anemia.

The Holy Father was admitted to Rome’s Gemelli hospital on February 14 after experiencing breathing difficulties for several days, later being diagnosed with pneumonia in both lungs.

"The Holy Father's condition remains critical," the statement said. "Although the Pope is alert and has spent the day in a chair, he is experiencing more discomfort than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded."

In addition to the extra oxygen, Gemelli hospital doctors administered blood transfusions to increase the Pope’s levels of red blood cells and platelets, which are essential for blood clotting.

Pope Francis, who has faced health complications over the past two years due to recurrent lung infections, remains under strict medical supervision at the hospital. The decision not to appear in public for the Angelus prayer this Sunday was made to allow him to recover properly.

The pontiff is expected to remain hospitalized for at least another week to treat his bilateral pneumonia before continuing treatment at his residence in Santa Marta.