Vatican City: Pope Francis passed away at the age of 88, following complications from a stroke that led to a coma, after which his heart failed, the Vatican confirmed. The late pontiff had recently been discharged after a prolonged five-week hospital stay for double pneumonia.

The Pope died at 7:35 am on Monday in his apartment at Casa Santa Marta. According to the Vatican, the cause of death was verified through an electrocardiogram test, which confirmed that the pontiff's heart had ceased functioning after slipping into a coma caused by the stroke.

Dr Andrea Arcangeli, who serves as Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official medical certification. The Holy See Press Office made the report public on Monday evening.

The medical documentation noted that Pope Francis had been battling several chronic conditions. These included a history of acute respiratory failure due to multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia, multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, and Type II diabetes.

His death was officially confirmed through electrocardiographic thanatography. In the written declaration, Dr Arcangeli stated, “I hereby declare that the causes of death, to the best of my knowledge and judgement, are as stated above.”

The pontiff had only recently returned to the Vatican after a 38-day hospitalisation brought on by a severe respiratory crisis that progressed into double pneumonia. It marked the longest period of hospitalisation during his 12-year tenure as Pope. 

Francis made his last public appearance on Easter Sunday, when he emerged to bless thousands of people in St. Peter’s Square and treat them to a surprise popemobile romp through the piazza, drawing wild cheers and applause. Before that, he met briefly with U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

It also said the pope had decreed that he will be buried in St. Mary Major Basilica in a simple underground tomb. The basilica is home to Francis’ favorite icon of the Virgin Mary, to whom he was particularly devoted.

The Vatican has begun a Rosary prayer in St. Peter’s Square in its first public commemoration following Pope Francis’ death. Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, archpriest of St. Peter’s Basilica, led the prayer as the sun set.

The first reading was delivered by Sister Raffaella Petrini, president of the Vatican City State and one of the highest-ranking women at the Vatican. Her appointment was a sign of Francis' insistence that women be given more prominent decision-making roles.

(with inputs from agencies)