The Pope has passed a “peaceful” night in hospital, the Vatican said after describing his condition as “critical” on Saturday.

The 88 year-old suffered a “prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis” on Saturday morning, which was treated with high flows of oxygen.

He also received blood transfusions associated with anaemia, raising concerns of sepsis.

However, the night “passed peacefully” and the Pope rested, Vatican officials said on Sunday morning.

They added that he was alert and was sitting up in an armchair, but warned that his prognosis “remains guarded”.

For the second Sunday in a row, the Pope will not appear in public to lead his usual “Angelus” prayer in St Peter’s Square, with an open letter to be read instead at midday.