The Colosseum in Rome collaborates with historical re-enactors to stage realistic gladiatorial combat shows in ancient amphitheatres from Tunis to the Tiber. The initiative aims to disseminate accurate knowledge of ancient gladiatorial games, with Alfonsina Russo, director of the Colosseum archaeological park, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy. The project draws inspiration from the popular film Gladiator, starring Russell Crowe.

The Vatican has decided to renew its controversial agreement with China, despite criticism from senior Catholics and campaigners over human rights abuses. The agreement, which was first introduced in 2018, allows the Chinese government to have influence over the selection of bishops. Critics argue that the Vatican has failed to address human rights abuses and the erosion of democracy in Hong Kong. Cardinal Pietro Parolin announced the decision to extend the pact for a third time.

Giorgia Meloni, the Italian prime minister from the hard right, and Ursula von der Leyen, the president of the European Commission and a German Christian Democrat, have formed a significant alliance. This partnership is shaping Europe's future through tougher migration policies and the modification of Brussels' environmental laws.

Leading Italian authors are boycotting the Frankfurt Book Fair in protest against the exclusion of Roberto Saviano, a prominent writer known for his criticism of organized crime and the right-wing government led by Giorgia Meloni. Saviano attributes his exclusion to his outspoken criticism of the government, which he describes as the most ignorant in Italian history. Mauro Mazza, responsible for the Italian delegation, has not commented on the matter.

An American geologist and Renaissance expert, Ann Pizzorusso, claims to have identified the landscape behind the Mona Lisa as the mountains overlooking Lake Como. She presented her findings at a geology conference in Lecco, highlighting the 14th-century Azzone Visconti bridge and the southwestern Alps as key elements in the painting's background. The Mona Lisa, believed to depict Lisa Gherardini, was started in Florence by Leonardo da Vinci.

Pope Francis became the first pontiff to visit the Venice Biennale art festival, visiting the Vatican pavilion in a women's prison before celebrating mass for around 10,000 people in St Mark’s Square. He emphasized themes of forgiveness and healing while addressing prisoners and guards, highlighting the universal need for redemption and renewal.

Police are investigating Piero Fassino, a former Italian justice minister and centre-left politician, for allegedly shoplifting a bottle of Chanel perfume worth €130 at Rome’s Fiumicino airport. Fassino, who is part of the Italian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, claimed he was distracted by a phone call and unintentionally placed the perfume in his pocket. The incident occurred on April 15.

The Patmos Chamber Music Festival in Greece, co-founded by Italians Massimo Fino and Roberto Prosseda, concluded its second season, drawing visitors with chamber music from world-class artists. The festival, inspired by Patmos' cultural history and Orthodox Christian pilgrimage, has gained support from Greek cultural and political authorities and sponsors. Despite logistical challenges, such as transporting grand pianos, the festival's success is attributed to the island's beauty, collaborative music selection, and the camaraderie among musicians. With free access to concerts, the festival aims to offer an alternative to mass tourism, promoting elite cultural tourism. It has quickly become one of the top music festivals on Greek islands, with plans to expand to major European capitals.

An Italian restaurant, Separè 1968 in Marina di Cecina, offers a €20 voucher to diners who leave their mobile phones at the door as part of its 'Let’s talk again' initiative. The scheme, aimed at encouraging conversation, has seen participation from about 70 couples and has been well-received, according to the restaurant's owner, Niccolò D’Andrea.

Tom Ripley, the central character of Patricia Highsmith’s novels, was conceived in Positano, Italy, in 1951. Highsmith, inspired by a solitary young man she observed on the beach, created the character while on holiday on the Amalfi coast. Her reflections on this moment were later published in the literary magazine Granta.

In Genoa’s Ducal Palace, the tenth Pesto World Championship saw a hundred finalists compete to create the best pesto. Mattia Bassi, a naval engineer from Liguria, used his grandmother Rosetta's utensils and shared his secret technique. The event celebrated the cultural significance of pesto, with aromas of fresh basil and garlic filling the air.

Italian MPs have voted in favor of a deal to establish two migrant centers in Albania where asylum seekers rescued at sea could be held. The lower chamber of parliament passed the agreement with a vote of 155 to 115, with two abstentions. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who leads the hard-right Brothers of Italy party and was elected on a platform to halt migrant arrivals from North Africa, saw an increase in migrant landings to nearly 156,000 last year, up from about 105,000 in 2022.

Vittorio Sgarbi, Italy’s junior culture minister, is under investigation for allegedly possessing a stolen 17th-century painting and illegally exporting another valuable artwork. Prosecutors in Macerata have seized 'The Capture of St Peter' by Rutilio Manetti from one of Sgarbi's properties. Sgarbi, a prominent art critic and former adviser to Silvio Berlusconi, is known for his controversial public persona.

In 1965, Riccardo Fontani and Anna Adamanti met and shared a kiss in Abbadia San Salvatore, Tuscany. Despite losing contact, they have reunited nearly six decades later and plan to marry in the spring. Adamanti, now 77, fondly recalls their initial meeting and her attraction to Fontani.

An iconic photograph taken by Italian photographer Ugo Borsatti in 1954, capturing an American soldier, James Swaim, kissing his Italian fiancée, Graziella, through a train window, symbolizes love amidst war. Decades later, Borsatti formed a lasting friendship with the couple's son, Christopher Swaim, highlighting the enduring impact of the moment.

A hospital in Turin has performed a groundbreaking operation to transfer nerves from a patient's leg to his hand, marking a world first. The patient, a 55-year-old social worker named Giovanni, lost movement in his hand and part of his leg in a road accident. Surgeons at the Orthopaedic Trauma Centre removed part of his sciatic nerve to replace the damaged nerves in his arm and hand. The surgical team was led by Bruno Battiston and Paolo Titolo, with support from neurosurgeon Francesca Vincitorio.

Pope Francis renewed his call for peace in the Middle East, Ukraine, and Africa during his Christmas message from St Peter’s Basilica, condemning the arms trade for its role in global violence. Despite his health issues, the Pope delivered his message sitting down, emphasizing the significance of Bethlehem and the birth of Christ.

At least 61 people are feared dead after a rubber boat capsized off the coast of Libya. A private rescue ship was ordered to leave the area to deposit other rescued migrants at a port in northern Italy. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) reported that the boat had departed from Zuwara, Libya, with 86 people on board, including women and children from sub-Saharan Africa. 25 survivors were picked up by a tug boat and returned to Libya, where they were taken to a detention center. Flavio Di Giacomo, an IOM spokesman, noted that over 2,250 people have died this year.

Rudy Guede, convicted of murdering British student Meredith Kercher in 2007, has been ordered to wear an electronic bracelet and stay away from his former girlfriend following abuse allegations. Prosecutors in Viterbo sought house arrest, but a judge opted for an electronic tag and a restraining order. Guede, originally from the Ivory Coast, was released early from prison for good behavior. The hearing on the abuse allegations continues.

The Italian Senate has unanimously approved a law that grants former cancer patients the right to be forgotten, aimed at protecting them from health discrimination. This law, which received cross-party support and was fast-tracked through parliament, will benefit around a million individuals by allowing them not to disclose their past illness when seeking mortgages, insurance, employment, or adoption.

The largest mafia trial in Italy in 30 years concluded with the conviction of over 200 individuals, including a former senator and two police officers, for their involvement with the ‘Ndrangheta mafia. The court in Calabria handed down a total of 2,200 years of prison sentences, with crime bosses Saverio Razionale and Domenico Bonavota receiving 30-year sentences each. The trial featured thousands of hours of testimony, including from more than 50 former mafia members.

Italy has outlawed the sale of lab-grown meat and high-protein insect powder to safeguard its farming sector and culinary heritage, as announced by the right-wing government. The legislation was passed in the senate, making Italy the first country to implement such a ban. Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida, who is related to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, criticized multinational companies for seeking profits at the expense of citizens' jobs and health. Ettore Prandini, head of the farmers' association Coldiretti, expressed pride in Italy's pioneering move and raised concerns about the public health implications of these products.

Japanese billionaire Kaoru Nakajima has rented out significant parts of Palermo, Sicily, for an extravagant birthday celebration, booking grand hotels, hiring a celebrity chef, and taking over historic venues including Italy’s largest opera house. The event has divided local opinion, with some seeing it as an economic opportunity and others as a disruption.

Giorgia Meloni has initiated her campaign against crime as Italy's prime minister by targeting an illegal rave in Modena. About 4,000 attendees were still present when 300 police officers surrounded the venue. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had ordered the rave's closure, but local officials aimed to avoid conflict with the largely international crowd. The police used a non-confrontational approach to disperse the event.

The Vatican's renewal of a secret deal with China on bishop appointments has sparked international criticism, coinciding with President Xi Jinping's consolidation of power and the reopening of Cardinal Joseph Zen's trial for supporting pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong. The timing has been seen as an embarrassing moment for the Pope, with accusations of moral appeasement directed at the Holy See.

Andrea Giambruno, the TV presenter partner of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has been caught in off-air scenes where he flirts with a female colleague and makes jocular remarks. These exchanges were released by a satirical TV program, showcasing Giambruno's informal behavior, including swearing and complimenting his colleague's dress sense and intelligence.

Pope Francis, in an interview marking the tenth anniversary of his election, reflected on the challenges of being the Pope, noting that it is a role for which no one can fully prepare. He addressed conflicts with conservative opponents of his reformist agenda but stated that these conflicts have not caused him to lose sleep. He drew parallels with Saint Peter, emphasizing the unexpected nature of their respective callings.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticized Chiara Ferragni, a leading internet influencer, during a political festival in Rome. Meloni praised Italy's manufacturers and took a swipe at Ferragni for promoting misleading advertising campaigns, suggesting that influencers are not the real role models to follow. Ferragni, who has a significant following on Instagram, was recently fined by the antitrust authority for a misleading campaign involving Christmas cakes.

Pope Francis appeared in public in a wheelchair for the first time after injuring a ligament in his right knee. Following a therapeutic knee injection, doctors advised him to rest for two weeks. Previously, he used a wheelchair during his recovery from colon surgery last year. The Pope seemed relaxed as he joined about 900 leaders of female religious.

Venice has become the first city to implement a tourist entry fee, sparking protests and debates about its effectiveness and implications for privacy. The €5 fee aims to manage overtourism and make the city more habitable, particularly targeting Italian day-trippers. Critics argue it infringes on personal freedom and raises privacy concerns, while some tourists and officials support the measure as a necessary step. The policy will undergo a two-year trial period, with future adjustments planned. Other cities facing similar challenges are closely monitoring Venice's approach.

Italy’s tax police have seized Villa Altachiara, a panoramic villa in Portofino, from a Russian oligarch. The villa, built in 1874 by the 4th Earl of Carnarvon, is linked to the legend of Tutankhamun’s curse following the death of the 5th Earl, who financed Howard Carter's excavation of the tomb. The 30-room villa, featuring a swimming pool and helicopter pad, was purchased by a Cyprus-based company in 2015 for about €25 million.

Italy's supreme court has ruled that returning migrants to Libya is illegal, citing violations of the European Convention on Human Rights due to the unsafe conditions in Libya. The ruling has been welcomed by Amnesty International, which criticized the Italian government's cooperation with Libyan authorities. The decision poses challenges for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy party, which has gained support for its strict immigration policies. Matteo Salvini, leader of the hard-right Lega Nord and current transport minister, is on trial for his role in preventing migrants from disembarking in 2019.

Italian opera has been recognized by Unesco as an 'intangible cultural heritage', joining other Italian cultural practices like pizza-making. This recognition follows a decade-long effort, overcoming a previous rejection in 2014 and competition from espresso coffee. The announcement was celebrated by tenor Francesco Meli, who is set to perform at Milan's La Scala.

A technical issue at Bank of Ireland ATMs allowed customers to withdraw money they did not have, leading to long queues and the deployment of additional police officers for security. The glitch enabled customers with low or no balances to transfer up to €1,000 into a linked account and withdraw it. The bank has apologized for the inconvenience.

Italian researchers have discovered the return of the Anopheles sacharovi mosquito, a historic malaria vector, to Italy after over 50 years. This finding underscores the importance of continued vigilance and research in malaria prevention. Experts suggest that local habitat changes, rather than climate change, are likely responsible for the mosquito's resurgence. While the risk of malaria re-establishing in richer countries remains low due to effective health systems and fewer mosquito habitats, the situation highlights the need for targeted healthcare access in vulnerable communities, such as migrant populations.

Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito, who were acquitted of murder charges in 2015, reunited in Italy. Knox, now living in Washington State, visited with her family and met with her former defense lawyers and the chaplain of Perugia’s women’s prison. Rudy Guede, the third suspect in the case, continues to deny responsibility for the murder, while Knox maintains her innocence and campaigns for victims of judicial errors. The article highlights the ongoing impact of the case on those involved.

Pope Francis visited the Venice Biennale, highlighting the Holy See pavilion featuring works by contemporary artists and prisoners. Despite health issues, he appeared in good form, traveling around Venice and delivering messages on the importance of art, environmental care, and youth engagement. The visit underscored his focus on inclusivity and the contributions of women in art.

Silvio Berlusconi has been acquitted in the 'bunga-bunga' parties case, ending a long legal battle with significant political implications. His lawyer expressed satisfaction, while El Mahroug, also acquitted, felt relieved. Prosecutors suggested Berlusconi escaped on a technicality, arguing he paid women to lie about their involvement. The case has been a major factor in Berlusconi's political career, contributing to his 2011 downfall and temporary ban from office. Giorgia Meloni welcomed the acquittal as excellent news.

Italian police have seized a painting by Peter Paul Rubens, originally misattributed and illegally exported in 2014. The painting, insured for €4 million, was part of a scheme involving fictitious sales to inflate its value. Four Italians, including the owners and an accountant, face charges of illegal export and money laundering. The Cambiaso family and exhibition organizers are not implicated.

Dominique Meyer, the outgoing director of La Scala opera house in Milan, criticized Italy’s culture minister and the right-wing government for enforcing a retirement rule that mandates opera directors to retire at 70. Meyer expressed his discontent at a ceremony presenting the 2024-2025 season, stating his intention to continue contributing to other institutions. The law, passed in May last year, affects the general directors of Italy’s 13 state-run opera houses.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is suing Brian Molko, the lead vocalist of the British rock band Placebo, for calling her a 'fascist, racist' during a concert in July. The incident occurred at the Sonic Park festival in Stupinigi, near Turin, and Molko is already under investigation by Turin magistrates for insulting Italian institutions. If convicted, he could face a fine of up to €5,000.

Approximately 100 trans men have applied to the Miss Italy beauty pageant in protest against the rule that only individuals born female can participate. This follows the crowning of Rikkie Valerie Kolle, the first transgender woman to win Miss Netherlands. Patrizia Mirigliani, the organizer of Miss Italy, defended the rule, calling recent changes in beauty contests absurd. Federico Barbarossa, a trans activist from Bari, is among the applicants, using his deadname to register.

A British-Australian businessman, Karim Kalaf, and his Russian-born wife, Galina Genis, were victims of a burglary at their Milan villa, losing €2.5 million worth of jewels, watches, and other valuables. The break-in occurred while the couple was on holiday in Dubai. The thieves managed to open a safe and steal items from brands like Patek Philippe, Cartier, Bulgari, and Chopard, making it one of the highest-value robberies of the year.

Enrico 'Chico' Forti, a former windsurfing champion imprisoned for 24 years in Miami for the murder of Australian businessman Dale Pike, will be returned to Italy. This diplomatic success is a significant achievement for Giorgia Meloni's government. Forti, who denies the 1998 killing, has been highlighted in Italian media for procedural irregularities and lack of physical evidence. Forti moved to Miami in the early 1990s, married model Heather Crane, and had three children.

Pyotr Tolstoy, a journalist and member of President Putin’s United Russia party, stated that the Russian invasion will not stop until it reaches the Polish border. He mentioned that the Kremlin is using its peacetime army and progressing slowly, despite European aid and criticism from leaders like Boris Johnson and Mario Draghi.

Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI expressed feelings of isolation in a posthumously published book written after his resignation. He cited hostility from certain sectors of the Catholic Church, particularly in Germany, as a reason for not wanting his writings published during his lifetime. The book, curated by theologian Elio Guerriero and Archbishop Georg Gänswein, reveals the former pope's struggles with opposition.

A yacht owned by the Berlusconi family has been impounded in Sardinia following a crash that resulted in the death of British industrialist Dean Kronsbein. The captain of the yacht is under investigation. Kronsbein's wife and daughter, who were also on board, sustained serious injuries and are expected to return to England for further medical treatment. The Berlusconi family's yacht, Sweet Dragon, was the first to assist the damaged vessel, Amore.

Italy’s highest court has authorized the trial in absentia of four Egyptian security officials for the murder of Cambridge University researcher Giulio Regeni. Regeni, who was researching Egyptian trade unions, disappeared in Cairo in January 2016, and his tortured body was found nine days later. The trial, which began in 2021, was previously suspended due to procedural issues related to notifying the defendants, as Egyptian authorities have not cooperated.

Domenico Dolce, co-founder of Dolce & Gabbana, criticized young Sicilians for their laziness and idleness, attributing these traits to the island's economic stagnation. Speaking at a photographic exhibition in Polizzi Generosa, Dolce rebuked the younger generation for their lack of initiative and reliance on others, urging them to work instead of spending time on social media.

Seven people, including a baby, were feared drowned after their boat capsized off the coast of Tunisia, contributing to the escalating Mediterranean migrant crisis. The incident occurred as the number of people attempting to cross from North Africa to Italy rises. Italian officials in Sicily recovered one body, and the Ocean Viking charity ship was asked to perform 15 rescue operations, rescuing 623 passengers.

Silvio Berlusconi amassed a collection of 25,000 artworks, many purchased late at night from TV auctions. Alessandro Orlando, a TV art sales pioneer, recounted an incident where Berlusconi bid €50,000 for a painting, initially met with skepticism. Berlusconi eventually secured the painting for €62,000 and went on to buy about 2,500 paintings from Orlando, including Madonnas, female nudes, and 1,000 'Russian' paintings. Art critic and junior culture minister Vittorio Sgarbi was among those who commented on Berlusconi's collection.

Adrienne Vaughan, president of Bloomsbury's US division, died in a motorboat accident off the Amalfi coast in Italy after her boat collided with a yacht. The incident occurred near the Furore Gorge, and Vaughan was thrown into the water and struck by the propeller. Despite being taken to the port of Amalfi, she succumbed to her injuries before reaching the hospital. Vaughan's husband, Mike White, and their two children were also on board; White sustained a shoulder injury.

UNESCO has recommended that Venice be added to the list of endangered world heritage sites due to the negative impacts of new construction, mass tourism, and climate change. The organization urges Italian authorities to take greater action to protect the historic city and its lagoon. The recommendation will be considered for adoption at a UNESCO world heritage committee meeting in Riyadh in September.

Italy's defense minister, Guido Crosetto, has expressed the need for Italy to withdraw from the Chinese Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) while maintaining trade relations with China. Crosetto criticized the decision to join the BRI, made by the previous government under Giuseppe Conte, as an 'improvised and atrocious act' that resulted in a trade imbalance. The current administration, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, aims to realign Italy with its traditional economic and political alliances.

The article discusses the long-standing ambition of constructing a bridge across the Strait of Messina to connect Sicily with mainland Italy. This dream dates back to Roman times and has faced numerous challenges, including the depth of the water and the strength of the currents. Modern planning for such a project began after Italy's political unification in 1861, with railway engineer Alfredo Cottrau noting the colossal resources required.

Archaeologists have potentially located the remains of Emperor Nero's private theatre in a Renaissance palace garden adjacent to the Vatican. The site, which was part of Agrippina the Elder's pleasure gardens, is where Nero is historically remembered for playing the lyre and reciting poetry during the Great Fire of Rome. Rome's chief archaeologist, Daniela Porro, announced the significant find, which matches descriptions from ancient sources but had remained undiscovered until now.

Italian environmental campaigners have accused the UAE's foreign minister of violating protected waters off the Tuscan island of Giannutri with his superyacht, potentially straining Italy's diplomatic relations with the UAE. The environmental charity Legambiente highlighted the incident, criticizing the activities of the superyacht Opera in the protected marine area.

Noemi Marangon, a 19-year-old Italian lifeguard, saved five swimmers on her first day at work on Bufalara beach, south of Rome. She first rescued a man caught in a riptide, followed by his wife and a youth who tried to help him, and later saved twin brothers dragged out to sea. The rescues occurred under challenging conditions with strong winds and a vortex.

Patrick Zaki, an Egyptian human rights activist and Christian, who was recently pardoned by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has called for justice for Giulio Regeni, a murdered Italian Cambridge doctoral student. Zaki was convicted of spreading false news about discrimination against Coptic Christians and spent 22 months on remand before being sentenced to three years in prison. His case gained significant attention in Italy, and he has now been awarded a degree by Bologna University.

A five-year-old boy, Manuel Proietti, was killed when a Lamborghini Urus, driven by Matteo Di Pietro and his friends for a YouTube channel stunt, crashed into a Smart car near Rome. The group, known as The Borderline, was attempting to drive the Lamborghini for 50 hours straight. The accident has sparked outrage over the use of social media for broadcasting dangerous stunts.

The traditional French croissant, with its origins linked to the Austrian kipferl, faces a new contender in Italy. Chef Matteo Baronetto's cube-shaped croissant has become immensely popular in Turin, drawing long queues of customers eager to try the innovative pastry.

Pope Francis successfully underwent a three-hour abdominal surgery without complications and is expected to stay at the Gemelli Hospital for several days. This is his second major abdominal surgery in two years. The Vatican has cancelled all his engagements until June 18, and his surgeon, Sergio Alfieri, noted that the Pope is awake and in good spirits.

Benedetta Rossi, an Italian TV chef and food blogger, has expressed her frustration and disgust over being criticized by food purists for using cheaper ingredients in her recipes. Rossi, who has a significant following of 4.5 million people, many of whom have limited time and resources, defended her choice of ingredients like tinned tuna, stating that the criticism has crossed the line.

Silvio Berlusconi has made a return to politics with a recorded message for his Forza Italia party convention after spending 34 days in the hospital battling severe pneumonia. The 86-year-old former prime minister recorded the 21-minute video in his hospital suite, with the Italian and European flags and Forza Italia logo in the background. The video, dubbed 'the resurrection video,' was produced with the help of technicians from his Mediaset television company.

More than 200 people were arrested in seven countries in the largest European crackdown on Italy’s most powerful mafia, the ’Ndrangheta. Police described it as the biggest operation against the crime network, seizing assets worth €25 million. The investigation, known as Operation Eureka, involved ten countries and began in 2019 to probe drug smuggling between Calabria and Genk. Suspects face charges of international drug trafficking, money laundering, and possession of weapons.

Recent research by Italian historian Silvano Vincenti suggests that the backdrop of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa is a valley near Laterina in Tuscany. Vincenti identifies a Roman bridge, Romito, in the landscape, which was busy between 1501 and 1503. The portrait is of Lisa Gherardini, the wife of a wealthy cloth merchant, Francesco.

Journalists at Italy's public broadcaster RAI plan a 24-hour strike to protest the perceived politicization of media under Giorgia Meloni's government. The strike, organized by the Usigrai trade union, follows an incident where Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, an ally of Meloni, complained about a report on Italy's migration deal with Albania. The union condemns the government's control over journalistic work, accusing it of turning RAI into a government mouthpiece.

A woman named Gurioli, a horse lover, protested against her immediate boss by commuting to her job at Crédit Agricole bank on horseback. She aimed to make a media impact and highlight workplace issues faced by her colleagues. Gurioli owns a stable near Mensa Matellica and cares for 11 horses and five cats. The response from her bosses is yet unknown, and she plans to return to using her car for the commute.

Pope Francis, in his Easter message, urged for an end to global conflicts, advocating for a comprehensive prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine, the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas, and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza. His appeal, delivered from St Peter’s Basilica, received applause from the gathered crowd, emphasizing respect for international law and humanitarian principles.

For the first time, surgeons at Molinette Hospital in Turin have restored sight to one eye of an 83-year-old man, Emiliano Bosca, who had been completely blind for six years. The innovative procedure involved combining tissue from both eyes. Bosca, who had suffered from ocular pseudopemphigoid and damage to his retina, had previously undergone two unsuccessful corneal transplants.

The mayor of Florence, Dario Nardella, has invited Hope Carrasquilla, a teacher who resigned from Tallahassee Classical School after showing Michelangelo’s David to her students, to Florence to receive an award and view the statue. The school's conservative Christian affiliation and a parent's complaint about the nude image being shown to children without prior notice led to her resignation. Nardella criticized the incident as 'simply ridiculous' and emphasized respect for those who teach art.

Carlo Vecce, a professor at Naples University, has claimed that Leonardo da Vinci's mother was a Circassian slave from the Caucasus, based on new archival documents he discovered. This challenges the previous belief that she was a Tuscan peasant woman. Leonardo was the illegitimate son of a Florentine notary named Piero and a woman named Caterina, whose background was largely unknown.

Venice is experiencing exceptionally low tides, stranding gondolas in mud and disrupting water ambulances and supply deliveries. The low tides are attributed to a lack of rain affecting northern Italy, raising concerns of a repeat of last year's severe drought, which significantly impacted the agriculture sector. Tidal measurements in Venice were significantly below normal levels, revealing debris in the canals.

Milan's La Scala opera house is expanding its reach by offering a pay-per-view online television channel, lascala.tv, which will feature live streams of seven operas, nine concerts, and three ballets, as well as pre-recorded shows and special content. The initiative, led by artistic director and chief executive Dominique Meyer, aims to broaden the audience beyond the physical capacity of 2,030 seats. The service, which was introduced with performances of Verdi's The Sicilian Vespers and Mozart symphonies conducted by Daniel Barenboim, offers various pricing options for access.

Silvio Berlusconi, part of Italy's right-wing government, has accused Ukrainian President Zelensky of being responsible for the war in Ukraine. He suggests that the US should cease financial and military support to pressure Ukraine into a ceasefire. Berlusconi, a former prime minister and ally of Putin, also criticized Giorgia Meloni for her recent meeting with Zelensky.

The death of Monsignor Michele Basso, a Vatican prelate, has brought attention to his collection of valuable artworks stored in St Peter’s Basilica. The collection, amassed over 30 years, includes 17th-century sketches by Pietro da Cortona and paintings by Guercino, Goltzius, and Pasqualotto, as well as a statue inspired by Michelangelo’s unfinished sculptures. The collection's discovery has sparked controversy.

The death of Pope Benedict has sparked discussions about the future of the papacy, with speculation on whether Pope Francis might resign. Analysts note a potential power struggle within the Vatican, with conservatives and liberals vying for influence. Despite his age and health issues, Francis remains active, with numerous engagements planned. The article highlights the uncertainty surrounding the next papal conclave and the potential for significant changes within the Catholic Church.

Pope Benedict XVI, born Joseph Ratzinger, led the Catholic Church for eight years before retiring in 2013. In his spiritual testament, he expressed gratitude for his life and asked for forgiveness from those he wronged. His legacy is controversial, with critics highlighting his strict doctrinal enforcement and inadequate response to the child sex abuse crisis. Father Thomas Reese criticized the suppression of open discussion under Ratzinger, while the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests condemned Benedict's prioritization of the Church's image over genuine apologies and amends to abuse victims.

New evidence has implicated an underworld gang in the kidnapping of Emanuela Orlandi, a 15-year-old Vatican schoolgirl who vanished in Rome in 1983. The case, which has troubled the Holy See for decades, also involved theories linking her disappearance to Turkish terrorists who aimed to blackmail the Vatican for the release of Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate Pope John Paul II.

Italian tourist towns, including Sperlonga and Trentinara, have introduced 'kissing zones' with signs encouraging visitors to kiss in scenic spots. This initiative aims to promote romance and attract tourists after pandemic-induced social distancing. The Sperlonga tourist office is even running a photographic competition to further engage visitors.

Pope Francis, 85, has indicated his readiness to resign if he feels it is God's will, following his first foreign trip in a wheelchair. He mentioned the need to cut back on his activities due to his age and health limitations, suggesting the possibility of stepping aside. Despite showing signs of pain, he emphasized that changing the Pope would not be catastrophic.

Alleged Kremlin influence over Matteo Salvini and his League party may have played a role in the Italian coalition government's collapse. Intelligence reports suggest a Russian diplomat inquired about the League's ministers' intentions to resign from Mario Draghi's government well before their actual resignation. The government, which supported Ukraine, fell when the League withdrew support, leading to political turmoil as the League is set to join forces with Giorgia Meloni's far-right Brothers of Italy.

Renato Bialetti, the Italian businessman known for the iconic Moka Express coffee maker, made a final eccentric appearance by having his ashes delivered to his funeral in a 24-cup version of the pot. The Moka Express, which has been produced by his family since 1934, features a logo based on Bialetti's own image. Bialetti passed away in Switzerland at the age of 93 and was buried in the family tomb at Omegna, northern Italy. The coffee pot was originally patented by his father, Alfonso, in 1933.

Archbishop Georg Gänswein, the personal secretary to Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI, has expressed concerns about the Pope's declining physical health in an interview with the Italian magazine BenEssere. As Benedict approaches his 89th birthday, Gänswein describes him as a fading candle, yet still serene and at peace. Despite the physical frailty and the need for a walking frame, Benedict is said to remain mentally sharp, maintaining his interest in world affairs and his subtle sense of humor. Benedict XVI, noted for being a respected theologian, made history in 2013 by being the first Pope to resign in over 700 years.

The article discusses the ongoing legal battle between Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi and Milan public prosecutor Ilda Boccassini. Boccassini, known for her left-wing sympathies and anti-mafia work, has been investigating Berlusconi for nearly two decades, focusing on his alleged corruption and ties to organized crime. The article details the polarized public opinion in Italy, with some supporting Boccassini's pursuit of justice and others viewing it as a politically motivated witchhunt. The stakes are high as Boccassini seeks a fast-track trial for Berlusconi on charges of illegal prostitution and abuse of office, which could potentially end his political career.

Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian prime minister, faced calls for resignation after a significant defeat in regional elections, with the centre-left coalition winning 11 out of 13 regions. Berlusconi's House of Liberties alliance retained only two regions, Lombardy and Veneto. Berlusconi acknowledged the heavy election results but refused to resign, attributing the defeat to economic difficulties and price increases following the euro's introduction. His rival, Romano Prodi, welcomed the result as a mandate for his coalition to prepare to govern. The election highlighted internal divisions within the centre-right, contributing to their defeat.

George Bush will lead a US delegation to the Pope's funeral, which is expected to draw 2 million pilgrims and 200 heads of state to Rome. Security measures include 10,000 police, surveillance of airports and train stations, and airspace closure. Authorities aim to manage the large crowds with spot searches and hand-held metal detectors. The event's success hinges on persuading visitors to follow the ceremony on giant screens outside St Peter's Square. The logistical challenge is significant, with measures in place to ensure the safety of VIPs, pilgrims, and the press.

Rome is preparing for an influx of at least 2 million people for the funeral of Pope John Paul II, with extensive security and logistical measures in place. The funeral will be held in St Peter's Square, and additional accommodations and medical facilities are being arranged to handle the large crowds. Political and religious leaders from around the world are expected to attend, and there are concerns about transport strikes potentially disrupting the events. The city is leveraging its experience with large religious gatherings to manage the situation.