Deborah Cater

Pope Francis with his predecessor Pope Emeritus Benedict. The current Pope funeral plans will be less ritualistic than Benedict's. Image courtesy of Vatican News

Pope speaks of funeral plans in new book

April 3, 2024April 3, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Pope Francis has said how he would like his funeral to be eventually celebrated in a book of interviews with the Vatican correspondent of Spanish newspaper ABC. The Pope wants a funeral without too much ritual.

The highest Tibetan bridge in Europe is in Italy

April 2, 2024April 2, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Not for the faint-hearted, Europe’s highest Tibetan bridge has opened in Sellano, Umbria.

No-confidence votes against Santanche and Salvini, pictured, thi week

Santanchè and Salvini no-confidence votes this week

April 2, 2024April 2, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Italian parliament executive has a brief yet intense week ahead of them. Along with no-confidence votes for Santanchè and Salvini are the reform of the Premiership, end-of-life legislation and shorter work weeks.

Italy’s Inflation Rate Lowest in Europe

April 1, 2024April 1, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Italy’s inflation rate climbed to 1.3% in March compared to the previous year, showing a slower rise than expected. This development underscores the current state of the Italian economy, which is experiencing what can be described as a ‘soft landing.’

Sinner wins Miami Open and rises to #2 in the world

Sinner takes Miami Title and climbs to No. 2 in the world

April 1, 2024April 1, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Jannik Sinner emerged victorious at the Miami Open presented by Itau, claiming his second ATP Masters 1000 title in style. He has now risen to number 2 in the ATP rankings.

Dante Giacosa, legendary Fiat car designer

On this day in history: Dante Giacosa “father of the cinquecento” died

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Dante Giacosa, often referred to as ‘the father of the Cinquecento,’ passed away on 31st March 1996 at the age of 91. His contributions to automobile engineering, particularly during his tenure at Fiat, left an indelible mark on the automotive industry.

Pope Francis delivers the traditional "Urbi et Orbi" blessing for Rome and the world during Easter celebrations on April 20, 2014 at St Peter's square in Vatican

Easter in Italy

March 31, 2024March 31, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Easter in Italy holds significant cultural and religious importance with Vatican City being a focal point during Holy Week.

Demographic: Italian birth rate cntinues to drop

Italy’s birth rate continues to fall

March 30, 2024March 30, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The birth rate in Italy continued its decline in 2023, with provisional data from ISTAT revealing 379,000 resident births, equivalent to 6.4 births per thousand people.

Leaning Garisenda Tower next to Asinelli Tower

Bologna’s leaning Garisenda Tower to have Pisa scaffolding

March 30, 2024March 30, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Mayor Matteo Lepore revealed plans at a press conference on Wednesday for the stabilisation of Bologna’s iconic Garisenda Tower. As part of the initiative, scaffolding and equipment previously employed in the restoration of the Leaning Tower of Pisa will be used.