Vatican: Pope Francis in critical condition

Pope Francis presides over the opening of the upcoming "24 hours for the Lord" event, a Lenten initiative of prayer and reconciliation, at St Pius V Catholic Parish in Rome on March 8, 2024. [AFP]

Pope Francis had a quiet night in hospital, the Vatican said Sunday, the morning after revealing the 88-year-old was in a "critical" condition.

The Holy See had late Saturday reported the alarming news that the pope, who in hospital since February 14, had suffered a prolonged respiratory attack and required blood transfusions.