Pope Francis' cause of death as pontiff dies aged 88 after painful decline

after a severe dose of .

The Bishop of Rome, which was one of his official titles, died on Easter Monday just hours after addressing the crowds in St Peter's Square in the Vatican.

He had appeared in his wheelchair on the balcony of St Peter's Basilica and waved to the worshippers below, saying: "Dear brothers and sisters, Happy Easter."

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In a statement this morning, Cardinal Kevin Farrell - Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church - announced Pope Francis' death with the words: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7:35 this morning (local time), the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and His Church.

"He taught us to live the values of the Gospel with fidelity, courage and universal love, especially in favour of the poorest and most marginalised."

He added: "With immense gratitude for his example as a true disciple of the Lord Jesus, we commend the soul of Pope Francis to the infinite merciful love of the One and Triune God.”

On April 20, Easter Sunday, the Pope had written the special homily but was too frail to deliver it, giving it to one of his clergy to read aloud instead. He used it to call for more freedom and to condemn war.

"There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the views of others," said his Easter delivery.

"What a great thirst for death, for killing we see in the many conflicts raging in different parts of the ."

Francis also gave a special mention to Gaza as the ongoing conflict "causes death and destruction" and creates a "deplorable humanitarian situation".

"I express my closeness to the sufferings... for all the people and the Palestinian people," the message said. "Call a ceasefire, release the hostages and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace."

He was then driven around St Peter's Square to greet crowds, pausing as people brought over their babies to his procession for him to bless.

It was one of the first times since his five-week hospital stay that Francis had been seen in public. He had been rushed to Gemelli hospital in Rome on February 14 with breathing difficulties, which led to an infection and double pneumonia.

More to follow.