Deborah Cater

Ospedale Monaldi where boy died after damaged donor heart transplant. Image credit: Reuters

Toddler dies after damaged donor heart transplant

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A two-year-old boy at the centre of a medical controversy over a damaged donor heart has died in Naples. It has prompted a criminal investigation and renewed scrutiny of Italy’s transplant procedures.

Tomb of St Francis - Image credit: https://sanfrancescovive.org/en/

Remains of St Francis on show for a month

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Half a million pilgrims are expected to travel to Assisi over the coming weeks as the hilltop Umbrian town begins a month-long exposition of the mortal remains of St Francis of Assisi. The event marks 800 years since his death in 1226.

Michelangelo. Credit: By Attributed to Daniele da Volterra - Metropolitan Museum of Art, online collection (The Met object ID 436771), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93197995

Study claims new works can be linked to Michelangelo

February 22, 2026February 22, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Previously little-known works and pieces of uncertain attribution may now be linked to Michelangelo, according to new research reported by Il Messaggero.

Agricultural firms in Tuscany employ migrant workers. Italian agriculture. Agri food chain to receive EU support

MEPs back tougher EU action on unfair agri-food trade

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The European Parliament has approved tougher rules to combat cross-border unfair trading practices in the agri-food supply chain. This strengthens protections for farmers and producers across the bloc.

two wine glasses containing white wine and a bottle. Wine sector to receive support package

EU Parliament backs wine sector support package

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The European Parliament has approved a wide-ranging package of measures to support the European wine sector, endorsing an agreement reached with EU governments earlier in December.

Trump's global tariffs are expected to be announced this evening. Tariffs deal

Tajani plays down impact of US tariffs ruling

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said on Friday that he does not expect major consequences for Italian exports. This comes after the Supreme Court of the United States ruled that sweeping tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump were unlawful.

Bargello Museum - one of the best things to do in Florence. The museum is part of the museum network of Florence

Florence museum network aligns closure days

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Florence’s newly unified state museum network will change its weekly closure day from 15 March, aligning major venues under a single timetable as part of a broader institutional overhaul.

€60m plan begins with Giotto’s Bell Tower restoration

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A major restoration of Giotto’s Bell Tower will begin on 9 March as part of a €60 million investment programme for Florence’s cathedral complex, the Opera di Santa Maria del Fiore announced.

Crucifixion in crypt at Venerable English College Rome, which is now open to the public

Venerable English College opens crypt and Roman road to public

February 21, 2026February 21, 2026Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Rome’s Venerable English College, the oldest British institution outside the UK, is expanding its guided tours to include public access to its underground areas for the first time.