VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis died of a stroke and irreversible heart failure, Vatican doctor Andrea Arcangeli said in a death certificate released on Monday for the 88-year-old pontiff.

The certificate, which was published by the Vatican, said the pope had fallen into a coma before his death early on Monday.

Besides his recent lung infection, Director of the Directorate of Health and Hygiene of Vatican City State

Professor Andrea Arcangeli said Francis had also suffered from Previous episode of acute respiratory failure in the context of bilateral multimicrobial pneumonia, Multiple bronchiectasis, high blood pressure and diabetes.

A Vatican spokesman said the pope's coffin might be moved to St. Peter's Basilica as early as Wednesday morning to allow the faithful to pay their respects.

"Ascertainment of death was by electrocardio-anatomical recording."

No date has yet been given for the funeral, but the Vatican said it would normally be expected to take place sometime between Friday and Sunday. A group of cardinals are due to meet on Tuesday and could set the timetable for the funeral then. — Reuters