The Italian government declared a state of emergency for Ischia following a deadly landslide caused by heavy rains, resulting in seven deaths and five missing persons. The declaration aims to expedite the mobilization of funds and resources for urgent interventions. The landslide has devastated the town of Casamicciola Terme, with significant damage to infrastructure and property. Local residents and experts attribute the disaster to poor maintenance and unchecked urbanization. Pope Francis expressed his condolences and prayers for the victims.

A lion that escaped from a circus in Ladispoli, near Rome, was recaptured after several hours, causing concern among local residents. The lion was sedated and captured with the help of local authorities and volunteers. Mayor Alessandro Grando expressed hope that this incident would lead to the end of animal exploitation in circuses. The Organization for the Protection of Animals highlighted the dangers and discomforts associated with circuses using animals and called for a ban on such practices. The Carabinieri are investigating the incident, which may involve sabotage.

Thousands gathered to pay their respects to Arnon Zmora, an officer killed during a hostage rescue operation. His widow and other family members delivered emotional eulogies, highlighting his compassionate nature. The article also mentions the suicide of reservist Eliran Mizrahi, who was denied a military burial, and the rescue of Almog Meir Jan, who was held hostage by a Hamas terrorist.

Farmers in Sicily are increasingly turning to exotic fruits like avocados, mangos, bananas, and passion fruit as the region's climate becomes more tropical due to global warming. The fertile soil and microclimate around Mount Etna provide ideal conditions for these crops. While the shift offers opportunities, it also presents challenges such as higher prices and lower yields compared to traditional citrus fruits. Farmers like Andrea Passanisi and Carla Cassaniti are leading this agricultural transformation, which also aims to reduce carbon footprints by minimizing the need for imports.

Sicilian farmers are increasingly cultivating exotic fruits like avocados, mangos, bananas, and passion fruit as they adapt to the region's warming climate. The fertile soil and favorable microclimate around Mount Etna have proven ideal for these crops. Farmers like Andrea Passanisi and Carla Cassaniti are leading this agricultural shift, viewing it as an opportunity to diversify and reduce carbon footprints by supplying local markets. However, challenges such as extreme weather and lower yields per hectare compared to traditional citrus fruits remain.

Jeremy and Paul are set to be sworn in as Swiss Guards at the Vatican, joining an ancient and prestigious body responsible for protecting the pope. Founded by Pope Julius II in 1506, the Swiss Guards is the world's oldest practising army. Admission requirements include being unmarried, male, Swiss, a practising Catholic, aged between 19 and 30, at least 1.74 metres tall, and having an impeccable reputation.

Pope Francis expressed concern over the ongoing conflict in Sudan, urging for dialogue and the cessation of violence. The fighting, which involves rival generals who took power in a 2021 coup, has resulted in over 50 civilian deaths, including three UN staff, and has drawn international concern.

Pope Francis appeals for an end to the 'senseless war' in Ukraine during his traditional Christmas message from St Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. He also calls for an end to the use of food as a weapon, emphasizing the need for peace and humanitarian values.

One person is confirmed dead and several others are missing following a landslide on an Italian island.

Italy declared a state of emergency on Ischia after a landslide killed at least seven people and left several missing. The landslide, caused by heavy rain, devastated the town of Casamicciola Terme, destroying homes, cars, and shops. Rescue efforts, involving over 200 rescuers and volunteers, were hampered by adverse weather conditions. The government released two million euros in relief funds. The incident follows recent heavy rain and flooding in the Marche region, highlighting ongoing challenges with natural disasters in Italy.

The Italian government, led by Giorgia Meloni and Matteo Piantedosi, has taken a hardline stance on migration, allowing only minors and those with medical issues to disembark from rescue ships. This has led to tensions and desperate actions among migrants, including jumping into the water. Humanitarian organizations like Médecins Sans Frontières and SOS Humanity are actively involved in rescue efforts, while international bodies like Amnesty International and the UNHCR criticize Italy for violating international obligations. The situation remains tense with ongoing legal challenges and calls for humane treatment of migrants.

Italians begin voting in an election expected to bring the country's first far-right government since World War II, with the Brothers of Italy party, led by Giorgia Meloni, leading the polls. The party is set to form a coalition with the far-right League and Silvio Berlusconi's Forza Italia, marking a significant shift in Italy's political landscape.

Italy is seeking UNESCO intangible heritage status for its espresso coffee, emphasizing its cultural and social significance. The bid, prepared by the agricultural ministry and supported by the Italian Espresso Institute, highlights the espresso's role as a daily ritual and a symbol of friendship. The article features insights from cafe owners and enthusiasts, underscoring the espresso's unique characteristics and its importance in Italian tradition.

At the ICC Casalpalocco Covid Hospital in Rome, 17 out of 19 intensive care patients are unvaccinated, with the majority of ICU patients across the hospital being unvaccinated. Patients express regret for not getting vaccinated, citing fear of the vaccine's potential harm as a primary reason for their hesitation. Italy, which was the first European country hit by the pandemic in February 2020, has suffered over 130,000 deaths but now has over 80% of its population above 12 years fully vaccinated. The Italian government is making the health pass mandatory for work to encourage vaccination and prevent outbreaks.

At the ICC Casalpalocco Covid Hospital in Rome, out of 19 intensive care patients, 17 are unvaccinated. The medical director, Roberto Mezzanotte, notes that 90-95% of their ICU patients are unvaccinated, with the rest having received one dose or having pre-existing conditions at an advanced age. Patients express regret for not getting vaccinated and lack of understanding for anti-vaccine pass protesters. Italy, which was heavily impacted by the pandemic with over 130,000 deaths, now has over 80% of its population above 12 years fully vaccinated. Mezzanotte emphasizes that vaccination is currently the only tool to curb the pandemic.

Italy is revisiting the trial of Dante Alighieri, who was exiled from Florence in 1302 after a political conflict. A group of jurists, led by lawyer Alessandro Traversi, aims to reassess and possibly annul the historical verdicts against Dante. The initiative, supported by descendants of both Dante and his condemner, seeks to symbolically clear Dante's name. The review is part of the 700th-anniversary commemorations of Dante's death, though many events are affected by COVID-19 restrictions.

Europe, the region with the highest number of coronavirus deaths, surpassed half a million fatalities on Thursday, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. The European region, comprising 52 countries and territories from Portugal to Russia and Azerbaijan, has at least 500,069 deaths out of 23,059,233 declared infections, ahead of Latin America and the Caribbean, and the United States and Canada. Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Oceania also reported deaths and infections. Europe, along with the United States, has been the epicenter of the pandemic since October, with approximately 37,000 deaths in the last seven days, the highest weekly toll since the pandemic began. Italy, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Spain account for 60% of the deaths, with Belgium having the highest number of deaths per capita.

Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was hospitalized in Milan as a precaution after testing positive for COVID-19 and showing some symptoms. Despite his age of 84 and past health issues, Berlusconi remains popular in Italy. He was hospitalized in the San Raffaele Hospital, where he has been treated for years. Berlusconi, along with his children Barbara and Luigi and his partner Marta Fascina, all tested positive for the virus. He assured that he would continue to participate in the electoral campaign through interviews. Italy is facing regional elections and a referendum on reducing the number of parliamentarians in the coming weeks.

L'article décrit la couverture médiatique du mariage de l'acteur George Clooney et de sa fiancée Amal Alamuddin dans la ville de Venise, où les déplacements se font principalement en bateau. La reporter vidéo de l'AFP, Sonia Logre, partage son expérience sur la manière dont elle a suivi l'événement pendant trois jours, en détaillant les défis logistiques et les efforts déployés pour obtenir des images et des informations sur ce mariage très médiatisé. Elle raconte la 'traque nautique' qui a impliqué de naviguer à travers les canaux de Venise pour capturer les moments clés des festivités.

Italy's cultural heritage, including world-renowned sites like Pompeii, is deteriorating daily due to state inaction and budget cuts to the Ministry of Culture. Some buildings at Pompeii have recently collapsed.