Rome

Pope Leo XIV was officially installed on Sunday, May 25, at the Basilica of Saint John Lateran, the cathedral of the Diocese of Rome. Elected on May 8, he assumed his role as bishop of Rome and symbolically took possession of the throne of Saint Peter. In his inaugural address, he quoted Saint Augustine, saying, “Christian with you and bishop for you,” reflecting his Augustinian roots. After the mass, he blessed the people of Rome from the basilica’s balcony. Later, he visited the Basilica of Saint Mary Major, where he prayed at the tomb of his predecessor, Pope Francis, who passed away on April 21 and chose to be buried there rather than in Saint Peter’s Basilica. Pope Leo also paid homage to the icon of Salus Populi Romani, a symbol of protection for Romans. Earlier in the day, he visited city hall and greeted the mayor, Roberto Gualtieri.

After Pope Francis laid to rest, cardinals prepare for crucial conclave

With Pope Francis laid to rest, cardinals prepare for the conclave to elect his successor, amid hopes and concerns about the future direction of the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis Dies at 88 After Double Pneumonia Battle | Global Mourning Begins | N18G

Pope Francis, the beloved head of the Roman Catholic Church, has died at the age of 88 following a serious battle with double pneumonia. The Vatican confirmed his passing after days of intense medical care and a prolonged respiratory crisis. As tributes pour in from across the globe, 1.4 billion Catholics enter a period of mourning for the spiritual leader who guided the Church for over a decade.

Pope Francis Health Update: Signs of Improvement Amid Ongoing Health Concerns

Pope Francis, aged 88, is showing signs of improvement as he nears one month in Rome’s Gemelli hospital, though doctors warn his recovery remains fragile due to age and underlying health conditions. Admitted in mid-February with pneumonia, the Pope is currently reliant on non-invasive ventilation and high-flow oxygen therapy, treatments often seen as precursors to intensive care. Doctors expect a full recovery from pneumonia but note that his chronic conditions could impact long-term health. Infectious disease expert Loredana Sarmati emphasized that Francis will require respiratory support for several more days or weeks. The Vatican has not confirmed his post-recovery schedule, though observers expect a slower pace with fewer engagements. Francis has been out of the public eye since early February and will mark the 12th anniversary of his election on March 13 from the hospital. Prayers and vigils continue outside the hospital as his followers hope for his recovery.

Prayers Held for Pope Francis at Gemelli Hospital Amid Health Battle | N18G

Cardinal Baldassare Reina led prayers for Pope Francis at Rome's Gemelli Hospital as the 88-year-old pontiff battles double pneumonia. The mass, held at the St. John Paul II Chapel, was attended by faithful and health workers. The Vatican reports that Francis is resting well, receiving treatment, and able to eat and move about his hospital room.

Christmas: Rome embraces festive spirit ahead of jubilee year celebrations | N18G

Drone footage recently captured Rome’s festive transformation, showcasing the city’s eco-friendly approach during the Christmas season in anticipation of the Jubilee Year, which begins on Christmas Eve. One of the highlights is Via del Corso, adorned with a two-kilometer canopy of low-energy lights, featuring 49 water drop motifs symbolizing the importance of water and glowing globes representing global unity. These decorations align with the Jubilee's themes of hope and togetherness. In addition to the main historic center, suburban neighborhoods also glow with illuminated projections, spreading festive cheer throughout all districts. Rome is preparing for an influx of approximately 32 million tourists for the Jubilee, a significant event held once every 25 years. This year’s celebrations not only reflect the city’s rich traditions but also its commitment to sustainability, with environmentally conscious lighting choices and a focus on unity and environmental awareness.

Rome wasn't built in a day: War of words between Piyush Goyal, Karnataka minister continue

The war of words between Union minister Piyush Goyal and Karnataka minister MB Patil continued on September 19, with the union minister responding to the latter's "Bengaluru wasn’t built in a day" with a sharp response.

Rome's Arch of Constantine damaged after being struck by lightning

The arch, built in 315 to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine in the battle of Ponte Milvio, was already undergoing maintenance work, which had begun on Monday.

Burglar caught after stopping to read Greek mythology book during robbery

The book, titled 'The Gods at Six O'Clock' by Giovanni Nucci, presents the Homer’s ‘Iliad’ from the perspective of the gods, and it appears the tale of ancient heroes and deities captivated the intruder.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas stuns in Rs 2.29 lakh blue Valentino midi wrap dress for Bvlgari docufilm

Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the brand ambassador for Italian designer label Bvlgari, featured in a dazzling blue midi wrap dress in the docufilm 'An Emperor’s Jewel — The Making of the Bvlgari Hotel Roma'.

Plane's harrowing 28,000 feet plunge in 10 minutes left 270 passengers shook. Here's what happened

A critical issue with the aircraft's cabin pressurization system led to the fault, sending shockwaves through the 270 passengers and 14 crew members on board.

Tourist climbs into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle

A woman was filmed climbing into Rome’s historic Trevi Fountain to fill up her water bottle.

Swiss teenager becomes second tourist to deface Rome's Colosseum in less than a month

The 17-year-old tourist was scratching the letter N on the walls while a local tour guide managed to get that on video, according to the Independent.

Tourist who carved names into Rome's Colosseum said he was unaware of monument's age

The tourist identified as Ivan Dimitrov wrote an apology letter to the mayor of Rome where he mentioned that he understood the seriousness of the deed.

Tourist who carved names into Rome's Colosseum could face jail time

Italy’s culture and tourism ministers have vowed to find and punish a tourist who was filmed carving his name and that of his apparent girlfriend in the wall of the Colosseum in Rome

Julius Caesar's assassination spot in Rome is now open to tourists

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Pope Francis to skip Good Friday procession due to cold weather

It is the first time the pope will not preside at the "Via Crucis" service at Rome's Colosseum since he was elected in 2013.

He hid 20,000 euros in chimney, almost passed out when his wife lit a fire

An Italian man saw his savings go up in smoke when his wife lit a fire underneath the chimney where he had stashed 20,000 euros (Rs 18 lakh) in government bonds.

With one stop to Europe from Amritsar, SpiceJet upstages rivals

SpiceJet has started operating flights to Rome and Milan from Amritsar and is the only Indian airline flying direct to Italy. If the route succeeds, it could pave the way for more such flights.

In Pics | These are the world's 10 most beautiful cities for architecture

With a beauty score of 83.3 percent, Italy’s Venice tops the global ranking of cities with the most beautiful buildings, according to a study commissioned by Online Mortgage Advisor. The study which focused on architecture analysed hundreds of streets and more than 2,400 buildings to reveal which global city boasts the most impressive buildings. Find out which city is home to the most beautiful building in the world

Ukrainian girl lost arm, mother to Russian invasion, appeals for a prosthetic hand

Before the Russian invasion, Sofia loved playing equestrian sport, but now she's not sure if she can do it with one arm, her sister Alina shared on Instagram.

Why couples are being offered 2,000 euros to get married in Rome

The Lazio region in Italy, that includes the capital Rome, has earmarked 10 million euros for an effort to support the local wedding sector, which has been hurt by the coronavirus crisis.

Pope Scolds Couples Who Choose Pets Over Kids

Speaking on parenthood during a general audience at the Vatican, Pope Francis bemoaned the global decline in birthrates — what he described as a “demographic winter” — and was bluntly critical of couples who prefer to have pets rather than children.

Gold ring engraved with early Christian symbol for Jesus found in Roman-era wreck off Israel

Experts say that while the image exists in early Christian symbolism, representing Jesus as a caring shepherd, tending to his flock and guiding those in need, finding it on a ring was rare.

PM Modi meets Pope Francis, discusses COVID crisis and climate change

Modi extended an invitation to Pope Francis to visit India at an early date, "which was accepted with pleasure", the MEA said.