Pope Francis died of a stroke and an irreversible cardiovascular arrest, according to a death certificate released by Vatican Dr Andrea Arcangeli.
The document, published by the Vatican, also pointed out that the Pope had fallen into coma before his death. In addition to his recent lung infection, Arkangeli said Francis was battling hypertension and diabetes.
The 88-year-old bishop, who recently spent five weeks in a Rome hospital, fighting a life-threatening match of dual pneumonia, returned to light duties with the Vatican until the end of March.
Francis suffered from chronic lung disease throughout his life, and even part of his lungs being removed as a young man was not his first encounter with lung problems.
Francis made his final show on Easter Sunday to celebrate the thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square.
The Vatican could ultimately pay homage to Pope Francis, which will begin at St. Peter’s Cathedral on Wednesday, but the exact date will be confirmed when the Cardinals gather for the first time since their death on Tuesday morning.
Francis’ co-relocated from the chapel of the Domus Santa Marta Hotel, where he lived, to St. Peter’s Cathedral for public viewing.
Away from tradition, as requested by the late Pope, his body is not placed on elevated beer, but instead is hung on a wooden coco facing his feet.
Before passing, Francis also expressed his desire to be buried in the ground of Major St. Mary’s Cathedral, which houses the beloved icon of the Virgin Mary, whom he had deep devotion.
There is no specific date for the funeral, but it must take place between four and six days after his death.
Meanwhile, “Sede Vacante,” or “Vacant Sea,” now begins at the Vatican, the era between the death of one Pope and the election of another.
To mark the beginning of this period, Pope Francis’ formal apartments are sealed with red ribbons and wax in rituals, an important part of the tradition, after the Pope’s death.
Officials covered a red ribbon over the door handle of the Apostle Palace apartment, poured liquid wax into the bow, leaving Francis’ Pope Seal closed, moving.
Cardinals from around the world are convened for the Conclave to elect a new Pope. The voting process is secret and usually lasts for 2-3 weeks.
However, if it is difficult for the Cardinals to reach candidate consensus, it may take some time.
The conclave is expected to begin within 15 days, 20 days after the death of the Pope.
