Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis, who is battling double pneumonia in hospital, had a "tranquil" night and rested, the Vatican said on Sunday.

The health of Pope Francis, who has been hospitalized for over a week with pneumonia, worsened on Saturday, raising fears that the pontiff might not survive his struggle with respiratory infections.