Vatican shares Pope's cause of death

Pope Francis died early Monday morning after suffering a stroke that triggered a coma and irreparable heart damage, according to an afternoon statement from Director of the Health and Hygiene Department of the Vatican City State Andrea Arcangeli. The pontiff recently experienced acute respiratory failure during a weeks-long struggle with double pneumonia, Arcangeli noted. The 88-year-old also suffered a number of long-term health conditions, including high blood pressure and Type 2 diabetes. The pope’s body will undergo the rite of the certification of death on Monday evening and be ceremonially laid in a coffin by church leaders for public viewing, according to the Holy See.

What will the Pope’s burial look like? The Vatican released a 2022 letter Francis wrote describing how he wished to be buried. Francis asked to be buried in the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major, between the Pauline and Sforza chapels. The tomb should be in the ground and simple, bearing the inscription of “Franciscus” with no particular ornamentation, according to the letter. Francis will likely be buried inside a zinc-lined coffin, and parishioners will have the chance to view his body and pay their respects, according to the latest papal funeral rites. Church leaders from across the world are expected to travel to the Vatican within the coming days to honor the late pope and initiate the process of electing his replacement.

Dig deeper: Read Lauren Canterberry’s report for more on Francis’ life and the election of a new pontiff.