Pope Francis in critical condition, Vatican says

( Fox )

Pope Francis was in critical condition after suffering an asthmatic respiratory crisis, The Associated Press reported, citing the Vatican.

"The Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved," the Vatican said in a statement quoted by the Associated Press.

The 88-year-old pontiff has been hospitalized for over a week due to a respiratory infection. Doctors later diagnosed Pope Francis with pneumonia.