Pope Francis died from a stroke and irreversible heart disease, according to the Vatican.
The BBC reported Monday afternoon on a statement released by the Vatican that laid out the cause of the 88-year-old Catholic pontiff's death.
Francis died early Monday morning, only hours after appearing at the traditional Easter Sunday celebration in St. Peter's Square.
The pope had been suffering from extended bouts of respiratory illnesses in recent months, but did make a public appearance as recently as Easter Sunday to pray and greet a crowd at St. Peter's Square.
Tributes poured in from across the globe shortly after the pontiff's death was announced.
King Charles issued a statement saying Pope Francis will be "remembered for his compassion, his concern for the unity of the Church and for his tireless commitment to the common causes of all people of faith, and to those of goodwill who work for the benefit of others."
The funeral and burial dates are expected to be decided by the cardinals.
However, Francis' final testament has indicated that he would like to be buried at Rome's Basilica of Saint Mary Major, rather than inside St. Peter's Basilica.
