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

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.

Francis remains in critical condition but has not suffered any additional crises, the Vatican said Sunday evening, after reporting Saturday the pope suffered a “long asthmatic respiratory crisis” days after he was hospitalized for pneumonia.