Vatican reveals cause of Pope Francis' death

Professor Andrea Arcangeli, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of the Vatican City State, issued the official certification, and the Holy See Press Office announced the report on Monday evening, reported Vatican News.

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.

Pope Francis dies at 88

Pope Francis, the religious leader of the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, died at 88, just a day after he appeared at the Vatican's St Peter's Square to wish thousands of worshippers "Happy Easter."

Pope Francis, who was known for his simplicity and was credited with changing the face of modern papacy more than his predecessors, assumed the top religious post in 2013 after Benedict XVI resigned.

Pope Francis, who had often suffered due to health-related issues during his tenure, was the first Latin American Pope of the world in 1300 years.

According to reports, Pope Francis's attempt to make the Catholic Church more inclusive and less judgmental had drawn the ire of the conservatives.

New Pope

The College of Cardinals, which is comprised of Catholic Church's most senior officials, will select the new Pope.

All men, they are appointed directly by the Pope, and are usually ordained bishops, BBC reported.

There are currently 252 Catholic cardinals.

Out of them, 135 are eligible to vote to elect the new Pope.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell

Cardinal Kevin Farrell will serve as the acting head of the Roman Catholic Church following the death of Pope Francis.

He will serve in the position until a new Pope is elected.

Farrell, who was born in Dublin, is currently the "camerlengo", the person who runs the Vatican from the death or resignation of one pope to the election of another.

Pope Francis nominated him as the Camerlengo of the Roman Catholic Church in 2019.