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

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

While the Pope "continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair" he is "in more pain than yesterday," it added. He also received blood transfusions today (local time) to treat anemia, according to the statement.