How long would it take to clean Rome’s Colosseum using toothbrushes?
A team of archaeologists and engineers hopes to find out just that. And their task could become a model for Italy’s efforts to preserve its cultural monuments.
Nick Squires
Proposed Islamic art museum divides Venice
By Nick Squires
Right-wing politicians say they plan to protest the museum. Others say it would broaden the cultural life of a city that is frequently reduced to a tourist postcard.
Vatican taken to task by UN on child abuse. Will the church change?
By Nick Squires
Victims’ rights advocates say that they hope today’s unprecedented grilling in Geneva of Vatican officials could be a turning point for the church’s handling of abuse.
Pope Francis boots Germany’s ‘Bishop of Bling’ from pricey home
By Nick Squires
The pope expelled Bishop Tebartz-van Elst from his diocese, apparently over the $42 million renovation of his official residence, which has outraged German Catholics.
Costa Concordia raised: ‘The redemption of a nation bowed’
By Nick Squires
The stunning success of righting the stricken cruise ship has buoyed Italians profoundly embarrassed by the poor performance of the Costa Concordia’s captain.
Victims’ groups cool to Pope Francis’s first comments on abuse scandal
By Nick Squires
On Friday, the new pope addressed the child abuse scandal for the first time since his election, calling for a continuation of his predecessor’s unpopular approach.
With plan to save Cyprus, EU bureaucrats prescribe long-term pain
By Nick Squires
While European leaders spoke approvingly of the bailout plan, experts say that it will deal a ‘brutal hit’ to the country’s banking sector that will require a long, slow recovery.
Cyprus scrambles for bailout, but Cypriots fear damage already done
By Nick Squires
Whatever the outcome of the crisis talks in Brussels, many Cypriots say that the prospect of bank accounts being raided had destroyed all confidence in the island’s lucrative banking industry.
Pope’s first mass: ‘protect each person, especially the poorest’
By Nick Squires
While Pope Francis, the former archbishop of Buenos Aires, has brought a dramatic change of style to the papacy, whether he brings a change of substance remains to be seen.
What are the chances of an American pope? This time, not zero
By Nick Squires
Until recently, American candidates faced unease about US hegemony. With the end of the cold war and decline in American power, a couple of US cardinals are getting serious attention.
For next pope, cardinals want youngish, polyglot MBA-type
By Nick Squires
Issues of governance at the Vatican are weighing on the men who will pick the next leader of the Catholic Church.
No laughing matter: How a comedian’s election is upending Italy
By Nick Squires
The Five Star Movement’s strong showing in Italy’s elections has made comedian-turned-activist Beppe Grillo into a kingmaker. But many in Europe worry the last laugh will be on Italy.
Big tally for Berlusconi throws wrench into Italy’s election
By Nick Squires
Silvio Berlusconi’s party appears to have won Italy’s upper house, thereby likely preventing one-time presumptive premier Pier Luigi Bersani from forming a governing coalition.
With Pope Benedict’s retirement, the where is clearer than the how
By Nick Squires
Workers are renovating a former nunnery in the Vatican to house the retired pope. How he will interact with his future successor remains uncertain.
The man who would be Italy’s next prime minister: Pier Luigi Bersani
By Nick Squires
Despite letting Silvio Berlusconi edge to within a few points in the polls, Mr. Bersani’s Democratic Party still looks to be the favorite to win Italy’s elections next Sunday and Monday. But who is he?
How will the Catholic Church handle a living ex-pope?
By Nick Squires
The resignation of Benedict XVI raises a conundrum not faced by the Catholic Church for centuries.
Could Silvio Berlusconi rise again to scramble Italian politics?
By Nick Squires
The country has worked to rebuild its economic credibility in recent years. The former prime minister could divide Italy’s government and thrust his scandals back into focus.
Tearful survivors mark Costa Concordia anniversary on Giglio
By Nick Squires
More than 100 survivors and relatives of the 32 people who died in the shipwreck converged on the tiny Italian island into which the luxury cruise liner crashed last year.
The pope joins the twitterverse as @pontifex
By Nick Squires
The Vatican is trying to reach out to an increasingly Internet-savvy audience and has already established a presence on YouTube and Facebook.
Will Italy’s L’Aquila quake verdict have a chill on science?
By Nick Squires
An Italian court found a group of Italian scientists guilty of manslaughter for failing to give adequate warnings of a massive earthquake.
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