Stroke, followed by coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, were the causes of Pope Francis' death, according to Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.
Based on the medical report released by Arcangeli and the Holy See Press Office on Tuesday morning (Manila time), Pope Francis had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.
His death was confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography.
"I declare that the causes of death to the best of my knowledge and belief are as stated above," the certification reads.
Pope Francis passed away on Monday (Manila time) at the age of 88. This was confirmed by Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Camerlengo of the Apostolic Chamber, from Casa Santa Marta.
On February 14, Pope Francis was admitted to the Agostino Gemelli Polyclinic after experiencing several days of illness caused by bronchitis.
Medical tests later showed a "complex condition," and doctors confirmed that he had developed pneumonia in both lungs.
After spending 38 days in the hospital, the Pope was released and returned to Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican to continue his recovery.
Doctors advised the Pope to rest for two months — but the leader of the world’s 1.4 billion Catholics continued working until the end.
