Pope Francis is in critical condition after a long respiratory crisis, requiring oxygen at high flow

ROME (AP) -- The Vatican says Pope Francis is in critical condition after he suffered a long asthmatic respiratory crisis that required high flows of oxygen. Francis has been hospitalized for a week with a complex lung infection. The Vatican said on Saturday that Francis also received blood transfusions after tests showed low blood platelets, which are needed for clotting. The statement said that the "Holy Father continues to be alert and spent the day in an armchair although in more pain than yesterday. At the moment the prognosis is reserved."