On his way to meet President Paul Biya, who has ruled the mainly French-speaking country since 1982, the US-born pope blessed the mass of faithful who had lined the route from an open-top car.

The 33-year-old was shown a straight red card at the Vitality Stadium last month for a foul on Evanilson, with Junior Kroupi scoring from the ensuing penalty as the Cherries secured a 2-2 draw.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has reduced Nigeria’s Hajj slots, forcing the Zamfara Hajj Commission to drop 456 pilgrims from the 2026 exercise.

Iran’s military threatened on Wednesday to shut down Red Sea trade unless the United States lifted its naval blockade on Tehran’s ports, saying the ceasefire was at risk.

The organisation has to cut £500 million from its operating costs of £5 billion, with most of these savings required in 2027 and 2028.