More clinical tests were being performed on the 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man.

Pope Francis was in critical condition Saturday after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen, the Vatican said.

Pope Francis's condition continues to be "critical" after suffering a "prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis" earlier on Saturday, the Vatican has said. The pontiff is "more unwell than yesterday" and had received blood transfusions, the statement said.