Pope's death due to stroke and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, says Vatican

The cause of Pope Francis' death has been identified as a stroke, followed by a coma and irreversible cardiocirculatory collapse, Vatican News reported citing Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State.

Arcangeli issued the official certification, and the Holy See Press Office released the report on Monday evening.

According to the medical report, the Pope had a prior history of acute respiratory failure caused by multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.

“I hereby declare,” wrote Dr. Arcangeli, “that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgment, are as stated above.”

The next pope is still to be decided: The death of a pope sets in motion a series of carefully orchestrated rites and rituals. Eligible cardinals will eventually vote for a papal successor in the Sistine Chapel in a process known as “the Conclave.”

Pope Francis died Monday. He was 88.

A Vatican spokesman said the pope's coffin might be moved to St. Peter's Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow the faithful to pay their respects, according to Reuters.

No date has yet been given for the funeral, but the Vatican said it would normally be expected to take place sometime between Friday and Sunday. A group of cardinals were due to meet on Tuesday to discuss plans.

U.S. President Donald Trump said he would attend the ceremony, which was expected to draw dozens of other world leaders to Rome.