The press office for the Vatican said Sunday that Pope Francis was able to rest overnight as he slowly recovers from double pneumonia after initially being hospitalized for bronchitis.

The Vatican described his condition as critical for the first time on Saturday, reporting that the 88-year-old Francis needed supplemental oxygen and blood transfusions after a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis.

Pope Francis appears to have an "early, mild renal insufficiency" as he remains hospitalized in critical condition, the Holy See Press Office said in Sunday evening update.