Pope died from stroke and heart failure, Vatican says – with anonymous benefactor to pay for funeral

Pope Francis died from a cerebral stroke that led to a coma and irreversible heart failure, the Vatican has said.

The update comes around 12 hours after the Pope’s death was announced.

Pope Francis, 88, had suffered from a chronic lung disease and had part of a lung removed as a young man.

Follow latest: World leaders pay tribute to Pope Francis

Health issues plagued him throughout his later life, and he was admitted to Gemelli hospital in Rome on 14 February for a respiratory crisis that developed into double pneumonia.

This led to a 38-day stay in hospital, the longest of his 12-year papacy.

However, he emerged on Easter Sunday, a day before his death, to bless thousands in St Peter’s Square.

Bells tolled in church towers across Rome after the announcement of his death.

Francis, the first Latin American pontiff, charmed the world with his humble style and concern for the poor, but alienated conservatives with critiques of capitalism and climate change.

Read more:
Obituary: A champion of the deprived
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Who could succeed Francis?

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