More clinical tests were being performed on the 88-year-old pope, who had part of one lung removed as a young man.

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

Pope Francis offered reflections on the most serious medical crisis of his papacy Sunday, saying in the written text of his regular Angelus prayer that he was “confidently continuing” his extended hospitalization while acknowledging that “rest is also part of the therapy.”