The announcement on Saturday evening indicated that Francis’ medical condition had become more complicated since an update from his doctors on Friday.

The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen.

Despite the concerns, the statement said that Francis was still alert and out of bed. “The Holy Father continues to be vigilant and spent the day in his armchair even if he was more in pain than yesterday,” the statement said. “At the moment the prognosis is guarded.”