The Vatican has confirmed that Pope Francis has passed away after a stroke, causing a coma and 'irreversible' heart failure. 

No funeral date has been set, but it is expected to take place between Friday and Sunday. 

Brisbane woman Jo Hayes, who met Pope Francis, told Gary Hardgrave on 4BC Drive, "It was a very precious moment to meet the man."

"I was in Rome, the Vatican, for an international meeting of the Benedictines, which I'm part of that particular order of the church."

"Just truly precious, wonderful, a very sacred moment and a rather rare moment that has been made all the more cherished for me now that the man has passed on to eternal glory," Ms Hayes continued. 

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