Italy

Italy, Turkey to deepen defence ties, boost trade after Rome summit

Italy and Turkey will continue to strengthen cooperation in the defence industry with new projects while also boosting their reciprocal trade, the leaders of the two countries said after holding talks in Rome.

History Today: When US millionaire Dennis Tito became the world's first space tourist

April 28 marks the day Dennis Tito, a millionaire businessman from the US, became the world’s first space tourist in 2001. He self-funded his trip to space for $20 million aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. It was also the day when Italy’s fascist dictator, Benito Mussolini, was executed in 1945

Santa Maria Maggiore Basilica: Where Pope Francis has been laid to rest

Pope Francis, the first pontiff from Latin America, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. In his will, Francis requested to be laid to rest at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore or St Mary Major, located in Rome’s Esquilino area. After a solemn ceremony, the Pope was laid there on Saturday, April 26

How Trump's presence at Pope Francis’ funeral tests fragile global ties

Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City is drawing more than 130 global delegations, including 50 heads of state and 10 monarchs. US President Donald Trump, seated with the official American delegation, has arrived amid tensions with Ukraine, the EU and former US President Joe Biden — whose personal attendance and Catholic ties contrast sharply with Trump’s contentious international record

They guard the Pope in life and death: A look at the storied history of the Swiss Guard

Ahead of Pope Francis' funeral, a centuries-old security force stands watch: the Swiss Guard. Known for their vivid uniforms and storied legacy, these elite soldiers are more than ceremonial figures. From protecting popes to adapting to modern threats, what role do they truly play in today’s Vatican?

Why the Vatican is angered with people taking selfies with Pope's coffin

As a sea of mourners gather to pay their final respects to Pope Francis, who lies in state at St Peter’s Basilica, some visitors have turned this into an opportunity to take selfies and photo ops. The move has drawn a sharp response from the Vatican, warning visitors against using their phones in front of the Pope's open coffin

The Pope’s Ring: What it symbolises and why it’s destroyed after his death

The death of a Pope triggers a centuries-old ritual involving the destruction of the Fisherman’s Ring, a symbol of papal authority since the 13th century. This solemn act, overseen by the Camerlengo, marks the end of the pontiff’s reign and safeguards the Church against misuse of his seal, preserving the integrity of the papacy

History Today: How Rome was founded

April 21 is an important day in history as one of the world's oldest cities in the world, Rome, was founded. The city was founded by two brothers, Romulus and Remus, in 753 BCE. The city was named 'Rome' after Romulus. On this day, one of the greatest singers Prince Rogers Nelson, simply known as Prince was found dead in his estate in Minnesota

Italy court upholds sentences for Pakistani parents who killed 18 YO after she refused to marry her cousin

An Italian court upheld life sentences for Pakistani parents who killed their daughter, Saman Abbas after she refused to marry her older cousin

Chinese couple linked to Triad turf war allegedly shot dead by mafia in Italy

Investigators believe the killings may have been a revenge attack tied to a violent rivalry between Chinese organised crime factions vying for control over the textile industry— especially in the Tuscan city of Prato, a major hub for fast fashion production