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Afghanistan (AFP) – In March 2001, the Taliban shocked the world by blowing up the giant Buddhas of Bamiyan. Two decades later, back in power in Afghanistan, they claim to be making strides to preserve the country’s cultural heritage. While the group’s apparent commitment to protecting ancient artefacts has surprised some, experts have highlighted that Taliban authorities do not extend the same concern to intangible heritage like music, dance, folklore and anything involving women.

Manila (AFP) – Catholic faithful across the globe participate in memorials and prayer services for Pope Francis, who died of a stroke on Monday 21 April aged 88. Tributes have poured in for the Argentine pontiff, whose funeral is expected to draw huge crowds and be attended by a raft of world leaders, with Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump among those saying they will be there.

Madrid (AFP) – Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez pays his respects to Pope Francis, saying “I am convinced that the world will miss his courage, his message”. Speaking at the start of a press conference the day after the pontiff’s death at the age of 88, Sanchez adds that Spain “will honour his figure.”

Sydney (AFP) – Early voting is open in Australia’s national election ahead of the official polling day on 3 May. Both the ruling Labor and opposition Liberal parties have vowed to tame the cost of living, which tops voters’ concerns in the polls, but are divided on how to tackle climate change. Prime Minister and Labor leader Anthony Albanese’s government has embraced decarbonisation, while Liberal leader Peter Dutton’s signature policy is a $200 billion scheme to build seven nuclear reactors.

San Salvador (AFP) – A delegation of Democratic US lawmakers has visited El Salvador in a new push to secure the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the US resident wrongly deported by the Trump administration. The 29-year-old was expelled along with nearly 300 other migrants who US authorities say are criminals and gang members, with the Trump administration paying El Salvador millions of dollars to lock them up.

Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis lies in an open coffin at his residence, the Vatican City’s Casa Santa Marta, following his death at the age of 88. The pontiff died on Monday 21 April, with his funeral set to be held later in the week.

Vatican City (AFP) – People gather at the Vatican following the news of Pope Francis’ death at the age of 88, the day after he appeared to crowds at St Peter’s Square on Easter Sunday. “It was all a bit sudden, it’s a shame”, says one visitor from Apulia, Italy.

Paris (AFP) – Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris celebrates Easter mass for the first time since the April 2019 fire which nearly destroyed the beloved landmark. “It represents the spirit, the history, and I think the real spirit of France and also of Christianity too,” says Elena Soffini, an Italian tourist.

Hong Kong (AFP) – Catholics in Hong Kong, Kinshasa, Jerusalem, Buenos Aires and Madrid react to the news that Pope Francis has died at the age of 88. “He was a refreshing voice in our church, even in his sickness,” says one mourner in Jerusalem.

Rome (AFP) – “At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father,” announces Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a spokesperson for the Vatican. “His entire life was dedicated to the service of the Lord and of His Church.” The Argentine pontiff who led the Catholic Church since March 2013, passed away at the age of 88.

Bishkek (Kyrgyzstan) (AFP) – “I’d probably become popular, go down in history,” says Balasaguyn Musayev, a 36-year-old composer and one of hundreds of Kyrgyz musicians who have submitted entries to create the new national anthem. Kyrgyzstan has launched an unprecedented public contest to find an alternative to its Soviet-inspired anthem.

Tsingoni (Mayotte) (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron pays homage to Pope Francis, who has died at the age of 88. “Throughout his pontificate, he stood alongside the most vulnerable and the most fragile,” says Macron, reacting to the news while on a visit to Mayotte.