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Travellers to Rome should expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city’s main attractions.

St. Mary Major is where the late Pope will be buried after his funeral on Saturday.

In November 2024, Francis reformed the rites to be used for his funeral, simplifying them to emphasise his role as a mere bishop and allowing for burial outside the Vatican.

The Spanish Prime Minister confirmed an additional €10.4 billion investment in defence and security to bring the country’s spending from 1.28% of GDP in 2024 to the 2% NATO target agreed in 2014.

Ahead of the finals for the Classic Violin Olympus International Competition in Dubai, here’s everything you need to know about one of the most prestigious and competitive musical competitions this year.

Travellers to Rome should expect closures, visitor restrictions and crowds at some of the city’s main attractions.

Under norms approved by Pope Francis last year, the funeral and burial must occur between Friday and Sunday and his final will states that he will be buried at St. Mary Major basilica, outside the Vatican and home to his favourite icon of the Virgin Mary.

This week, the European Central Bank’s (ECB) interest rate decision will take centre stage. The bank is expected to continue reducing its benchmark policy rates amid mounting economic risks linked to tariffs. In Asia, China’s GDP will be closely watched by investors.

The late pope’s passing was announced earlier on Monday morning with bells tolling in Catholic churches from Latin America to Asia and across Rome as the news spread around the world.

The United States and the Philippines launched their annual joint military drills on Monday, involving around 14,000 troops in full-scale combat scenarios designed to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security.