Giada Zampano

Trump’s criticism of Giorgia Meloni prompted an unexpected wave of support for the Italian prime minister from European leaders, reducing long-standing hesitation over her far‑right background and reinforcing European cohesion. His confrontational approach has accelerated alignment among EU states on defense, foreign policy and economic strategy amid tensions involving Ukraine, Iran, Russia and China. European nationalist parties have begun distancing themselves from him as his tariffs and actions grow unpopular with voters. The fallout extends across Europe, influencing politics in countries such as Hungary and Denmark, while Meloni’s pro‑Ukraine stance strengthens her standing within the bloc. Growing European unease reflects the political risks leaders face as U.S. decisions shape their domestic landscapes.

Pope Leo XIV warned that conflicts are sustained more easily than people are fed as global hunger worsens amid sharp drops in humanitarian funding. Addressing the World Food Program in Rome, he criticized political barriers that obstruct aid while military spending continues freely. Funding for food assistance has fallen by nearly 60 percent since 2022, with the WFP’s multibillion‑dollar appeal still far short of its target despite a new $800 million U.S. pledge. The article notes that U.S. aid was severely reduced after the Trump administration abolished USAID, though recent policy resets have restored some funding. Leo argued that conflict, climate pressures and economic strain have become entrenched crises, urging governments to prioritize human dignity and cooperation to address rising instability and hunger.

UN food agencies warn that acute hunger will intensify across 13 global hotspots from June to November 2026, driven by conflict, funding shortages, and climate-related shocks. Sudan, South Sudan, Yemen, Palestine, Nigeria, and Somalia face rising famine risks, with 266 million people already confronting severe food insecurity. Aid funding has fallen sharply despite growing needs, while additional pressures such as regional conflict spillover and an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo threaten further deterioration. Agencies call for urgent international action to scale up assistance and protect livelihoods to prevent widespread catastrophic hunger.

Maldivian authorities conducted a high‑risk search for four missing Italian divers after one body was recovered from a deep underwater cave in the Vaavu Atoll. The divers, including an instructor, reportedly disappeared while exploring caves at around 50 meters depth during poor weather conditions. A major rescue operation involving boats, aircraft and dive teams was launched, with Italy’s ambassador joining the efforts and an Italian expert assisting search teams. Rough sea conditions threatened to delay further dives as officials continued investigating the circumstances of the deaths and coordinated with the victims’ families.

Armed vessels linked to the Libyan coast guard reportedly fired live rounds at the German humanitarian ship Sea-Watch 5 after it rescued about 90 migrants near the Libyan coast. The crew issued distress calls, prompting notification of Italian and German authorities, and the ship was later escorted toward Brindisi as a designated safe port. Sea-Watch condemned the attack and urged European governments to intervene, highlighting ongoing tensions between NGO rescuers and Libyan patrols supported through EU funding. The incident follows previous confrontations, including a similar episode involving SOS Mediterranee, and takes place amid longstanding EU-backed cooperation with Libya to curb migrant departures, which critics argue endangers migrants and heightens conflict with rescue groups.

Five southern EU leaders warned the European Commission that an unmanned, drone‑damaged Russian LNG tanker drifting in the Mediterranean poses an imminent ecological threat and requested activation of the EU civil protection mechanism. The tanker, part of Russia’s shadow fleet, remains adrift with explosive cargo after its crew evacuated. The leaders called for a coordinated EU response, citing broader risks from vessels operating outside international standards, and plan to raise the issue at the European Council meeting as the tanker drifts toward Libyan waters.

More than 20 plaster casts of Pompeii victims created from voids in volcanic ash are now displayed in a new permanent exhibition at the Palestra Grande. Developed using a 19th‑century technique pioneered by Giuseppe Fiorelli, the casts preserve the victims’ positions and physical details at the moment of death during the 79 AD eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Curators aim to present the casts with dignity while offering insights into the lives and deaths of Pompeii’s residents. Archaeologists note the emotional impact on visitors and highlight modern analytical methods that reveal information about the victims’ health, age, and diet. The exhibition also features preserved plants, food, and other artifacts recovered from the ash‑covered site.

Chiara Ferragni was acquitted of aggravated fraud charges related to promotional sales of a charity-linked pandoro cake and Easter eggs, following accusations that consumers had been misled about the charitable contributions. She had previously issued apologies and made substantial donations to the involved organizations. The case damaged her public image and business interests and prompted Italy’s government to introduce legislation targeting misleading influencer marketing. Prosecutors have not yet indicated whether they will appeal the ruling.

María Corina Machado met privately with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican, asking him to support efforts to free political prisoners in Venezuela. The visit, confirmed by the Vatican, occurred during her international tour following her return from hiding to accept the Nobel Peace Prize. Machado also met with Secretary of State Pietro Parolin. Pope Leo has expressed concern over Venezuela following the U.S. capture of former president Nicolás Maduro and has urged respect for human and civil rights. The article reviews the political turmoil involving Venezuela’s opposition, U.S. actions, and Machado’s dedication of her Nobel Prize to Donald Trump, alongside the Nobel Institute’s clarification that the award cannot be shared or transferred.

Italy approved a law formally defining femicide as a crime punishable by life imprisonment, backed by the governing coalition and supported by opposition parties. The legislation responds to rising public concern over violence against women and includes tougher measures on stalking and revenge porn. The opposition argues that the law addresses crime but not underlying cultural and economic issues. Debate continues over a separate government proposal to restrict sexual and emotional education in schools, criticized by opponents as regressive and defended by the ruling coalition as child protection. Italy recorded 106 femicides in 2024, highlighting the urgency of both prevention and enforcement measures.

The US Commerce Department’s antidumping review threatens combined tariffs of up to 107 percent on Italian pasta exports, alarming Italian producers who warn the dramatic increase would devastate sales in their second‑largest market. Italian officials and EU leaders dispute the evidence behind the duties, arguing that pasta prices in the US remain higher than domestic alternatives. The investigation, initiated after complaints by two US food companies, found major Italian exporters uncooperative, prompting the high preliminary duty rate that would extend to additional producers. Italian companies fear severe economic consequences, while US importers brace for higher prices and potential product shortages. A final ruling is expected in early January, with a possible extension.

Pope Leo XIV urged world leaders to confront global hunger and conflicts during a World Food Day ceremony marking the FAO’s 80th anniversary in Rome. He highlighted crises in Ukraine, Gaza, Haiti, Afghanistan, Mali, the Central African Republic, Yemen, and South Sudan, criticizing the use of hunger as a weapon of war and calling for ethical responsibility. The appeal coincides with severe funding cuts to U.N. food aid agencies, particularly the World Food Program, which warns that reduced contributions from major donors, including the United States under the Trump administration, could push millions into emergency hunger and disrupt operations in several high‑risk countries.

A restored hidden corridor in the Colosseum, known as the Commodus Passage, will open to the public for the first time in nearly two millennia. The tunnel once sheltered emperors as they accessed their private viewing area and is associated with an attempted assassination of Emperor Commodus. Archaeologists uncovered decorative remnants, and the project included structural conservation, stucco restoration, new walkways, lighting, and a digital reconstruction to show its original form.

A restored underground passage in Rome’s Colosseum, known as the Commodus Passage, will open to visitors for the first time in nearly two millennia, offering access to a route once used by Roman emperors to reach their private viewing area unseen. Archaeologists uncovered decorative remains at the entrance, and the project involved structural conservation, restored stuccoes and plasters, a new walkway, and lighting that mimics natural illumination. Virtual reconstructions help show the tunnel’s original appearance, and a follow‑up restoration phase is planned for 2026 to continue work on the section extending beyond the amphitheatre.

More than two million people across Italy joined a general strike supporting Gaza and protesting Israel’s blockade after an aid flotilla was intercepted. Major cities including Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna and Naples saw large demonstrations, most peaceful though some clashes occurred. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni criticised the strike as politically motivated while facing increasing pressure over Italy’s pro‑Israel stance amid Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Protests also targeted Italy’s scheduled World Cup qualifier against Israel as UEFA considers suspending the Israeli team.

A Roman-era erotic mosaic stolen by a Nazi officer during the Second World War has been returned to Pompeii after being voluntarily surrendered by the heirs of its last German owner. Italian authorities confirmed its authenticity before repatriation, assisted by the Archaeological Park of Pompeii, which traced its origins near Mount Vesuvius. The mosaic, considered culturally significant, will be preserved for research and education. Officials describe the return as a symbolic healing of historical wounds and note a broader shift toward returning looted artifacts.

Southern Europe faces extreme heatwaves with temperatures above 40C across Italy, Spain, Greece and Portugal, driving wildfire risks and triggering widespread health alerts. Italian regions plan to restrict outdoor work during peak heat, while 21 major cities are under maximum alert. Greece remains on high wildfire watch as strong winds fuel blazes near Athens. Authorities warn vulnerable populations to limit activity and stay hydrated, as research indicates heat‑related deaths are likely to rise significantly due to climate change.

Tens of thousands of demonstrators marched in Rome calling for an immediate end to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, with Italian opposition parties accusing the government of remaining silent on the conflict. Protest leaders criticized Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for offering only mild objections to Israeli actions, while speakers condemned the scale of Palestinian casualties. The protest took place amid growing international pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and continued fallout from Hamas’s October 7 attacks. Italian opposition figures used the demonstration to demand a stronger national stance on the conflict.

Greta Thunberg joins 12 activists sailing from Catania toward Gaza on the Madleen to challenge Israel’s blockade and deliver aid amid warnings of famine. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition aims to raise global awareness of the humanitarian crisis. Israel rejects genocide allegations and maintains the blockade targets Hamas, which continues to hold hostages from the 7 October attack. Previous flotilla efforts were disrupted, including a vessel damaged by alleged drone strikes. The mission accompanies broader mobilisation efforts, including a planned Global March to Gaza seeking to pressure Israel to halt its offensive and reopen the Rafah border.

Greta Thunberg and Liam Cunningham joined 11 activists aboard the Freedom Flotilla Coalition vessel Madleen to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza and deliver aid, aiming to draw attention to the escalating humanitarian crisis. The group emphasized persistence despite a previous flotilla attempt being disrupted by alleged drone attacks blamed on Israel. Israel maintains the blockade to pressure Hamas to release hostages taken during the 7 October 2023 attack, while critics accuse Israel of committing genocidal acts, a charge Israel rejects.

Recovery efforts for the sunken superyacht Bayesian were halted after a specialist diver died during the operation off Sicily. The yacht, owned by the late Mike Lynch, originally sank during a downburst in 2024 that killed seven people. Salvage teams had begun cutting the vessel’s mast to raise the hull, but the fatality prompted suspension of the mission as authorities opened an investigation. The ship’s captain and two crew members remain under investigation for potential responsibility, and no date has been set to resume recovery work.

Citizens of Viterbo forced the resolution of the Catholic Church’s longest papal election by confining cardinals and restricting their conditions, giving rise to the modern conclave system. Internal political divisions prolonged the 13th‑century election for over 1,000 days until the eventual selection of Gregory X, whose subsequent regulations shaped the structure and discipline of contemporary papal elections. Viterbo’s role remains influential as key procedures established then continue to define modern conclaves.

Pope Francis selected a burial site in Rome’s St. Mary Major Basilica, reflecting his preference for simplicity and his long-standing ties to the church and its icon of the Madonna. Archbishop Rolandas Makrickas said Francis chose the site after initially hesitating, requesting an unadorned marble tomb marked only with a replica of his pectoral cross. The location holds personal, historical and Jesuit significance, situated near the Salus Populi Romani icon and connected to early papal history.