Pope Francis has died at 88 in Vatican City after suffering a stroke and cardiovascular collapse, following various health complications. His passing marks the end of an era for the Catholic Church. With a nine-day mourning period underway, cardinals will soon gather for a conclave to choose his successor.

The Beijing Stock Exchange has introduced securities lending and margin trading services, aiming to boost market liquidity and enhance price discovery. Targeted at stocks meeting specific criteria, this move supports small and mid-sized enterprises under CSRC guidance. The initiative complements CBEX's focus on commodities and state-owned enterprises.

Saudi Arabia has announced a temporary halt on visas for 14 countries to regulate Hajj pilgrimage attendance, impacting nations like India and Pakistan. This measure follows the 2024 tragedy where over 1,200 unregistered pilgrims died due to severe overcrowding and heat. The ban covers Umrah, business, and family visit visas but does not affect diplomatic and official Hajj visas.

Son Heung-min, Tottenham's star forward, finds joy and respite playing for South Korea's national team during World Cup qualifiers, amid a challenging period at his club marked by form fluctuations and contract discussions. His leadership remains pivotal to his national team, offering him a fresh perspective away from club pressures.

El Paso is buzzing with St. Patrick's Day celebrations from March 13 to 17, 2025. The city offers a vibrant mix of events like bar crawls, streetcar parties, and fundraisers. Highlights include the Lucky's bar crawl, a family-friendly streetcar experience, and community activities supporting local causes, all focusing on celebrating Irish heritage with fun and safety.

Barcelona clinched a 2-0 win against Las Palmas, reclaiming the La Liga summit on February 22, 2025. Dani Olmo scored the opener, and Ferran Torres sealed the game in stoppage time. Despite Las Palmas' injuries, Barcelona remained focused and undefeated in 2025. With Eric García and Marc Casadó starting, and key performances from Lamine Yamal, the victory places Barcelona one point ahead of Atlético Madrid.

Aston Villa stunned Chelsea with a 2-1 comeback, thanks to Marco Asensio's two goals, both set up by Marcus Rashford. Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez had given them an early lead, but Villa's impactful substitutions and Chelsea's defensive slip-ups changed the game, keeping Chelsea in sixth place as they prepare for a Southampton match.

Inter Milan faced a challenging situation with Davide Frattesi's unexpected absence in their recent win over Genoa. Coach Simone Inzaghi explained that the midfielder's physical issue prevented his participation. Despite the setback, Inter snagged a crucial victory. Inzaghi remains hopeful Frattesi will be fit for their crucial Coppa Italia quarterfinal against Lazio, emphasizing the ongoing intensity of the Serie A title chase.

FC Barcelona Women face Real Madrid Women in a thrilling Copa de la Reina semi-final after overcoming Madrid CFF and Real Sociedad. The upcoming Clásico promises high-stakes action and showcases top talents like Pajor and Caicedo. This match will test both teams' tactical skills and player prowess, with the winner eyeing the March 28 final.

Inter Milan legend Beppe Bergomi highlights the challenges of defending their Serie A title, emphasizing upcoming away games against Juventus and Napoli. Inter's struggles in key matches this season, including a defeat to Fiorentina, underscore the need for tactical flexibility and strong defense.

Wolverhampton secured Marshall Munetsi for £16 million, marking a new high for a Zimbabwean player. With a track record of 21 goals and 14 assists at Reims, Munetsi clinched a pivotal 3.5-year contract with Wolves, solidifying his role through leadership and adaptability, which were major deciding factors.

The U.S. Agency for International Development's website went offline during a freeze on foreign aid by the Trump administration, causing widespread concern among Democrats. There are fears that this may be a prelude to USAID's merger with the State Department. Established during the Kennedy era to combat Soviet influence, USAID plays a crucial role today in supporting U.S. foreign policy against China's rise. The agency's future remains uncertain as internal and external debates continue.