Pope Francis died of stroke and heart failure, the Vatican has announced.
The cerebral stroke led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, a death certificate which was published by the Vatican has revealed.
The pontiff’s autopsy has come just 12 hours after it was announced that he died at 7.35am this morning.
Throughout his life, he suffered from a chronic lung disease and had a partial lung removal when he was younger.
Pope Francis has died at the age of 88
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In February, the pontiff was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome after he endured respiratory issues that turned into double pneumonia.
As a result, he stayed in hospital for 38 days until he was discharged on March 23 as he waved from a window to crowds of his supporters.
Over the Easter weekend, the Head of the Catholic Church made a rare appearance to bless crowds congregated in St Peter’s Square.
Just hours later, the Vatican announced that Pope Francis had died.
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On Wednesday morning, the Pope’s body will be moved from Casa Santa Marta inside the Vatican to St Peter’s Basilica where he will lie in state until his funeral.
Vatican press chief Matteo Bruni told reporters: “The transfer of the body of the Holy Father to the Vatican Basilica for the homage of all the faithful could take place on Wednesday morning, April 23 2025, according to the modalities that will be established and communicated tomorrow, following the first Congregation of Cardinals.”
Spain has since declared three days of national mourning, while Argentina will mourn for seven days.
Francis, born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church, and had suffered various ailments in his 12-year papacy.
Francis, born in Argentina as Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was the first Latin American leader of the Roman Catholic Church
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On Easter Monday, Cardinal Kevin Farrell said on the Vatican’s TV channel: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.
“At 7.35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.
“He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised.
“With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”
