Pope Francis' doctor has spoken out.

The Vatican later confirmed the pontiff's cause of death as being from a cerebral stroke and subsequent heart failure.

The pontiff was the Bishop of Rome and head of the Catholic Church before he became Pope in 2013 after the resignation of his predecessor Benedict XVI.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell made the announcement in a statement, saying: "Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis.

"At 7.35am this morning, 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.

"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."

Now, Dr Sergio Alfieri has explained that he found the Pope in a coma with his eyes open.

He explained that the Pope died quickly and didn't suffer.

He told Italy's Corriere della Sera that he was called at 5.30am on Monday and arrived at the Vatican 20 minutes later.

He said: "I entered his rooms and he [Francis] had his eyes open.

"I ascertained that there were no respiratory problems. And then I tried to call his name, but he did not respond to me.

"He didn't respond to stimuli, not even painful ones. In that moment I knew there was nothing more to do. He was in a coma."

The doctor also said that the last time he met with the Pope was on Saturday and that the Pope confided his final regret to him.

He said: "He regretted he could not wash the feet of the prisoners. This time I couldn't do it - was the last thing he said to me."