ISTANBUL

Pope Francis had a calm night of rest, the Vatican said on Sunday, updating journalists on the pontiff’s health condition who is being treated for double pneumonia in Rome.

Francis, who has chronic lung disease, was admitted to the Gemelli hospital on Feb. 14.

The brief update followed statements that the 88-year-old, who had part of a lung removed in his youth, "continues to be critical."

According to a Saturday statement by the Vatican, the pope experienced "asthma-like respiratory crisis of prolonged intensity, which required the administration of high-flow oxygen."

His blood tests also revealed thrombocytopenia, associated with anemia, which required the administration of blood transfusions, the Holy See press office had said.