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John Phillips is a journalist based in Roma, Italy.
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Portfolio
Pope tells European rabbis he is 'too ill to speak'
Pope Francis, during a public audience in Vatican City, informed attendees that he was not feeling well enough to read his speech. Sounding tired, he greeted a group of European rabbis and handed them the text of his speech instead of reading it aloud. Vatican communications director Matteo Bruni clarified that the Pope was suffering from a cold, which was affecting his busy schedule of audiences, including a meeting with 7,000 school children from around the world. Despite the cold, Bruni assured that the Pope's activities would continue as planned.
Pope urges Christians to shun consumerism at Christmas
Pope Francis, in his weekly Angelus address in Vatican City, cautioned against equating the celebration of Christmas with consumerism. He emphasized the importance of simplicity and sharing during the festive season, particularly with those who are suffering due to poverty, hunger, and slavery. The Pope also called for solidarity with individuals affected by wars, specifically mentioning Palestine, Israel, and Ukraine. He encouraged Christians to stay connected with those in need and to let the humanity that God embraced by taking a human heart be reflected in their own hearts.
Pope Francis Calls for Peace in Christmas Address
In his Urbi et Orbi address on Christmas Day, Pope Francis called for peace and resolution to various global conflicts. He specifically mentioned the need for a solution to the Palestinian question and the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas. The Pope expressed his grief over the victims of the October 7 attack on Israel and urged for an end to military operations and violence. He also addressed the situations in Syria, Yemen, Lebanon, Ukraine, Armenia, Azerbaijan, the Korean peninsula, and several African nations, advocating for dialogue, reconciliation, and humanitarian aid to foster peace and stability.
Foreign Press bid farewell to 'Humility Street' home
The Foreign Press Association in Italy is relocating from their long-standing headquarters in a palazzo on Via dell'Umiltà, near the Trevi Fountain, as the building is set to be transformed into a luxury hotel. They have been at this location for 22 years and are moving to a new headquarters which will be situated in the Palazzo Grazioli, an apartment that was once the residence of the late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. The move is scheduled to take place in February.
Pope Francis, opening Synod, urges Church to 'look mercifully at humanity'
Pope Francis inaugurated a special synod at St Peter's Square, focusing on the future of the Roman Catholic Church. He encouraged participants to avoid divisiveness and to embrace a spirit of unity and mercy. The synod is set to address controversial topics such as priestly celibacy, the blessing of same-sex unions, sacraments for the divorced, and the potential ordination of female deacons. The Pope emphasized the importance of looking at humanity with mercy and being a Church that listens, dialogues, and encourages. He referenced Pope Benedict XVI and Saint Francis of Assisi, urging the Church to be humble, fervent, and joyful, and to avoid the temptations of rigidity, lukewarmness, and weariness. Pope Francis concluded by reminding that the synod is not a political event but a spiritual one, guided by the Holy Spirit.
Trapani’s UNESCO bid underlines burgeoning tourist attractions of secret Western Sicily
The article discusses the potential of Trapani, Sicily's least-known province, to attract tourists from the UK and the US with its unique attractions like salt lakes, luxury hotels, and historical sites. The local authorities are seeking UNESCO world heritage status for the salt lakes. The article highlights the booming tourism in Sicily, particularly around Catania, and the plans to improve infrastructure in Western Sicily to provide more options for tourists. It also covers a conference on 'Transversal Tourism' and the history of the Florio winery, a British merchant community in Marsala. The article touches on the culinary experiences offered by Florio's chef and the training of young chefs and sommeliers at a local institute. Additionally, it mentions the possibility for visitors to buy properties in depopulated towns for as low as 1 euro, aiming to avoid overtourism issues like those in Venice.
Confindustria boss aims to head Luiss university without degree
Carlo Bonomi, the head of Italy's Confindustria industrialists' association, is aiming to become the president of the board of directors at Luiss University despite being exposed by Il Fatto Quotidiano for falsely claiming to have a university degree. Luiss University, which is associated with Confindustria, is a private institution that charges high fees and benefits from Confindustria's sponsorship and networking opportunities for its graduates. Bonomi is reportedly pressuring Anna Maria Bernini, the minister for universities and research, to adjust the Luiss statutes to allow him to take the post despite not having a university degree. This controversy was further highlighted by the website AffariItaliana.it, which confirmed Bonomi's lack of a degree and accused him of lying about his educational background.
Thirty years after Palermo Spring, Corleone's anti-Mafia renaissance continues
The article reflects on the transformation of Corleone, Sicily, from a town once gripped by the Mafia to one that now honors its anti-Mafia heroes. The journalist revisits Corleone after 30 years and is guided by Dino Paternostro, a trade unionist and journalist who founded the anti-Mafia newspaper Città Nuove. The town now features a mural paying tribute to Catholic saints and Bernardino Verro, a trade unionist killed by the Mafia. Despite the deaths and arrests of notorious Mafia bosses, the journalist notes a resurgence of right-wing politicians with alleged Mafia links. The article also highlights the ongoing struggle against other criminal organizations like the Ndranghetà and the Camorra. The journalist recounts the past and present anti-Mafia efforts in Corleone, including a mass and demonstrations against the Mafia, and the educational initiatives encouraging children to stand against organized crime.
Man, 24, charged with murder after amateur rugby player, 32, stabbed to death in Cornwall club
Michael Allen, a 32-year-old amateur rugby player from Liskeard, was stabbed to death near the Eclipse nightclub in Bodmin, Cornwall. Jake Hill, 24, from Bodmin, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The incident left seven others hospitalized, with one still recovering from surgery. Tributes have poured in for Allen, with Bodmin RFC and other rugby clubs expressing their condolences. The police are treating the attack as isolated and have urged the public not to speculate but to provide any relevant information. Community leaders have expressed shock and offered support to the victim's family and those affected.
Sicilians pay tribute to unionist Miraglia 77 years after his assassination
In Sciacca, Sicily, residents commemorated the 77th anniversary of the assassination of unionist Accursio Miraglia by the mafia. The ceremonies were led by his son, Nico Miraglia, who continues his father's fight against organized crime. Accursio, a member of the Italian Communist Party, was killed in 1947 by mafia hitmen. Despite initial resistance from the Catholic Church, a memorial service was held for him. The article reflects on the historical and ongoing impact of mafia violence in Sicily.
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