THE Pope “slept well” on his tenth night in hospital, Vatican News reported on Monday morning. He had received a blood transfusion on Sunday following a respiratory crisis on Saturday morning.

Pope Francis was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on 14 February, diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia. His condition was initially not reported to be life threatening. On Saturday morning, however, the Holy See press office issued a statement saying that “the Pope is not out of danger. This morning, Pope Francis experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen.

“Today’s blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions. The Holy Father remains alert and spent the day in an armchair, although he is more fatigued than yesterday. At the moment, the prognosis remains guarded.”

A statement on Sunday evening said that his condition remained critical, though he had not experienced any further respiratory crises since Saturday morning. “Pope Francis had received blood transfusions to bring up his haemoglobin levels.

“The thrombocytopenia remains stable; however, some blood tests show early, mild renal insufficiency, which is currently under control. High-flow oxygen therapy continues through nasal cannulas.”

Earlier on Sunday, Pope Francis had attended Mass in his apartment in Gemelli Hospital with some of the doctors and nurses who are overseeing his treatment.

On Monday morning, a new statement said: “The night went well; the Pope slept and is resting.”

Vigils have been held, including outside the hospital, and church leaders from around the world have been praying for his rest and recovery.

The Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, said on Monday: “We stand in unity with our Catholic brothers and sisters, trusting that God’s grace will guide and comfort Pope Francis in his time of illness. May God’s healing presence surround him, granting him strength and peace.”