Pope Francis cause of death confirmed to be cerebral stroke after suffering from chronic lung disease

Pope Francis' cause of death has been confirmed as a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure.

Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88 years old, with his death confirmed in a statement released by the Vatican earlier today (April 21).

Camerlengo Cardinal Kevin Farrell said: "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 home of the Father.

"His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of his Church. He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with faithfulness, courage, and universal love, especially for 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 God, One and Tribune."

The Vatican News later updated: "The cause of Pope Francis' death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse."

The Holy See Press Office released the report this evening which was written by Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, Dr Andrea Arcangeli.

The report detailed the Pope's prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectasis, high blood pressure, and type two diabetes.

It resolved his passing was confirmed as a 'stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse' through electrocardiographic thanatography.

Dr Arcangeli said: "I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above."

Pope Francis' cause of death has been released (Vatican Media via Vatican Pool/Getty Images)

The Holy Father at the head of the Roman Catholic Church - real name Jorge Mario Bergoglio - gave his final speech just over 24 hours ago in celebration of Easter, addressing the crowds in the Vatican's St Peter's Square in a 'heartbreaking' speech.

He said: [Translation] "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter! Blessed be the almighty father and son and holy spirit.

"I ask the master of ceremonies to read the message."

The master of ceremonies then proceeded to read out his full Urbi et Orbi blessing.

His final full testament has since been released too, the Pope noting he 'sense[d]' he was 'approaching twilight of [his] earthly life'.

He continued: "And with firm hope in eternal life, I wish to set out my final wishes solely regarding the place of my burial.

"Throughout my life, and during my ministry as a priest and bishop, I have always entrusted myself to the Mother of Our Lord, the Blessed Virgin Mary.

"For this reason, I ask that my mortal remains rest - awaiting the day of the Resurrection - in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.

Pope Francis gave his final speech on Easter Sunday (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)

Pope Francis detailed where he wished to be buried and his tomb located, alongside the design of the tomb and how the funeral costs should be covered too.

He resolved: "May the Lord grant a fitting reward to all those who have loved me and who continue to pray for me. The suffering that has marked the final part of my life, I offer to the Lord, for peace in the world and for fraternity among peoples."

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