A close-knit rural community was tonight coming to terms with the tragic loss of a local farmer, missing and feared drowned in Rome.

Rome declared a state of emergency as the swollen Tiber river threatened to flood and the death toll from the heavy rains battering Italy rose to four.

Italian opposition leader Silvio Berlusconi urged the country to close its borders to Romanian workers and a conservative ally called for the expulsion of tens of thousands of immigrants as the nation grappled today with public outrage over a wave of violent crimes blamed on foreigners.

THE head of the conservative Roman Catholic movement Opus Dei has suggested the Catholic Church should consider not giving Communion during huge Masses because it cannot be done “in a dignified way”.

The head of the conservative Roman Catholic movement Opus Dei suggested today the Catholic Church should consider not giving out Communion during huge Masses because it cannot be done “in a dignified way".

Presidents, prime ministers and kings joined pilgrims and prelates in St Peter’s Square today to bid farewell to Pope John Paul at a funeral service that drew millions to Rome for one of the largest religious gatherings in the West of modern times.

Tucked behind ancient walls and iron gates, Vatican City is protected by Swiss Guards armed with sabres, a small but efficient secret service packing handguns and a special Italian police corps.

Disappointed pilgrims were blocked by police from viewing Pope John Paul II’s body, as overwhelmed authorities tried to clear the last million mourners already in line before tomorrow’s funeral.

POPE John Paul II’s successor won’t just face falling church attendance and an ageing priesthood.

Storms across Italy left St Mark’s Square in Venice more than a four feet under water today, delayed flights and snarled traffic.