Pope in critical condition after respiratory crisis, Vatican says

Pope Francis was in critical condition after suffering a prolonged respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a lung infection, the Vatican said late Saturday.

The 88-year-old pope, who has been hospitalized for more than a week, received oxygen to help him breathe. He also received blood transfusions after tests showed low counts of platelets, which are needed for clotting, the Vatican said in a statement.

“The pope is not out of danger,” the Vatican said. The pontiff on Saturday “experienced an asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen,” it said, adding that his condition “continues to be critical.”