ISTANBUL

Pope Francis’ condition continues to be “critical” after a “prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis” he experienced earlier Saturday, said the Vatican on Saturday evening, adding that the pope is not “out of danger.”

“This morning, Pope Francis experienced a prolonged asthma-like respiratory crisis, which also required the administration of high-flow oxygen,” the Vatican said in a statement.

The pope’s blood tests showed that he is also suffering from thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, the Vatican added, describing the pope’s condition as “more uncomfortable than yesterday.”

“At the moment, the prognosis is reserved,” it concluded.