OREANDA-NEWS Pope Francis remains in critical condition, the Vatican says. The pontiff, who is struggling with a complex lung infection, has fallen into critical condition, receiving large amounts of oxygen and blood transfusions in the hospital.

Pope Francis, who is battling pneumonia and a complex lung infection, remains in critical condition, the Vatican said.

The 88-year-old pontiff was admitted to Rome's Gemelli Hospital on February 14, and was subsequently diagnosed with a respiratory tract infection and pneumonia in both lungs.

According to doctors, Francis was given extra doses of oxygen on Saturday after a prolonged asthma-like attack and required a blood transfusion due to low platelet counts.

“The Holy Father's condition remains critical, but he has not experienced any more respiratory attacks since yesterday evening,” the Vatican said on Sunday.

Blood tests also revealed “mild renal failure, which is currently under control," the Vatican said in a statement. –The complexity of the clinical picture and the need to wait for pharmacological therapy to have any effect require that the prognosis remain cautious.”

The statement said the Pope was receiving “high-throughput oxygen therapy” through a nasal cannula, but continued to remain “alert and well-oriented.”

On Friday, doctors said that the pope's health remains uncertain and that he is expected to stay in the hospital for at least another week.