Pope Francis in critical condition after suffering 'asthmatic respiratory crisis,' Vatican says

ROME -- Pope Francis suffered a "prolonged" asthmatic respiratory situation Saturday greeting with doctors having to proviso oxygen, the Vatican said.

The pope's information remains critical, according to a statement.

"Today's humor tests besides showed plateletopenia, associated with anemia, which required the medication of hemotransfusions," the Vatican said successful a statement. "The Holy Father continues to beryllium alert and spent the time successful an armchair though successful much symptom than yesterday."

Asthmatic respiratory situation indicates the pope struggled to support a capable oxygen level erstwhile breathing connected his own, according to aesculapian experts.

Plateletopenia (also known arsenic thrombocytopenia) indicates the pope has debased platelets, which are cells that circulate successful the humor and assistance humor clot.

Low platelets whitethorn hap arsenic a complication of infection, a broadside effect of definite medications, oregon a occupation with mean platelet production.

The pope has been hospitalized since Feb. 14 pursuing a bout with bronchitis. He was diagnosed with pneumonia connected Tuesday, according to the Vatican.

The Vatican described the pope arsenic being successful "good spirits" connected Tuesday.

Prior to Saturday's update, the Vatican announced the pope would not pb Sunday wide this week arsenic helium continued to recuperate.

ABC News' Ivan Pereira and Youri Benadjaoud contributed to this report.

The video successful the subordinate supra is from a erstwhile report.