New Delhi, April 21 -- Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, according to the official death certificate released by the Vatican on Monday (April 21).

The certificate, signed by Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli, confirmed that the 88-year-old pontiff had fallen into a coma before passing away in the early hours of Monday morning.

The Vatican published the document as speculation swirled about the exact cause of death, following reports that the pontiff had suffered from various health issues in recent months, including a serious bout of pneumonia.

The stroke, combined with heart failure, proved fatal, the medical statement noted, ending the papacy of the first Latin American pope, known globally for his humility,...