Pope Francis, who passed away at the age of 88 last night, died of a stroke, followed by a coma and heart failure, according to the Vatican.
Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr Andrea Arcangeli, released the official medical report on the death of the Pope this morning (NZT).
"The cause of Pope Francis' death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse," a statement from Vatican News said.
The Pope's death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.
“I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above,” Arcangeli said.
The basilica is home to Francis’ favourite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.NNL
