According to a death certificate released by the Vatican on Monday, Pope Francis died from a stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, AFP reported.
The 88-year-old pontiff passed away at 7:35 am local time in his apartment at the Santa Marta residence.
Nearly a month prior to his death, Francis had been discharged from a five-week hospital stay, during which he battled double pneumonia. The death certificate lists “cerebral stroke, coma, irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse” as the causes of death.
The Vatican document, signed by Professor Andrea Arcangeli, head of health for Vatican City, also revealed previously undisclosed health issues.
In addition to pneumonia, Francis had suffered from arterial hypertension, Type 2 diabetes, and multiple bronchiectases—chronic damage to the airways.
His deteriorating health had been a concern in recent months, with respiratory issues contributing to a sharp decline. The Vatican had not previously made public the extent of his underlying conditions.
