Stefano Pitrelli
@stefanopitrelli.bsky.social
📤 827
📥 723
📝 64
Investigative journalist, reporter in The Washington Post Rome Bureau 🇮🇹🇻🇦🇪🇺
As U.S. bombs Iran, Pope Leo criticizes the idea of a ‘God of war’
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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As U.S. bombs Iran, Pope Leo criticizes the idea of a ‘God of war’
Some Trump administration officials cloak the war on Iran in religious terms, but the Chicago-born pope said that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/04/03/pope-leo-god-war-trump-peace/
12 days ago
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Trump slams allies as Italy blocks U.S. use of air base for Iran war
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Trump slams allies as Italy blocks U.S. use of air base for Iran war
European allies are doubling down on their resistance to the war against Iran despite President Trump’s growing exasperation and threats of backing away from NATO.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/31/europe-allies-trump-iran-war-opposition/
15 days ago
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Thieves steal works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse in less than 3 minutes
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Thieves steal works by Cézanne, Renoir, Matisse in less than 3 minutes
Four masked men are believed to have forced their way through an entry gate, grabbed the paintings and escaped by climbing a fence, Italy’s Carabinieri said.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/30/italy-art-heist-cezanne-renoir-matisse/
15 days ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Unpopular war makes friendship with Trump a liability for Italy’s Meloni
The war in Iran, which is deeply unpopular in Europe, has put Trump’s closest European allies, a constellation of conservative and populist leaders, on the defensive.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/03/13/trump-meloni-unpopular-war-europe/
about 1 month ago
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Vatican announces Pope Leo will not visit U.S. this year
www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/...
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Vatican announces Pope Leo will not visit U.S. this year
Pope Leo’s decision not to visit the U.S. in 2026 reflects his desire to emphasize the importance of other parts of the Catholic world.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2026/02/08/pope-leo-visit-united-states/
2 months ago
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At Winter Olympics, protest over cost and ICE ends in clash with police
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olymp...
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At Winter Olympics, protest over cost and ICE ends in clash with police
After left-wing groups rallied against the cost and environmental impact of the Winter Games in Italy, some protesters set off fireworks and hurled bottles.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2026/02/07/protests-winter-olympics-italy/
2 months ago
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Winter Olympics, spread across north Italy, open with Milanese flair
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olymp...
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Winter Olympics, spread across north Italy, open with Milanese flair
The Opening Ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics will have four simultaneous events in four locations marking what organizers say is the most spread out Games in history.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/2026/02/06/winter-olympic-games-italy-milan/
2 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Ahead of the Winter Olympics, Milan wins gold in gentrification
Some advocates say the Winter Games are driving up property prices and exacerbating income inequality.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/02/04/winter-olympics-milan-italy-gentrification/
2 months ago
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Inside the frantic global race to find an escape route for Maduro
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/0...
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Inside the frantic global race to find an escape route for Maduro
A previously unreported Christmas Eve meeting in Vatican City was one of many failed attempts to find safe harbor for the Venezuelan leader before the U.S. raid.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/01/09/venezuela-us-maduro-capture-vatican-russia/
3 months ago
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UNESCO recognizes ‘Italian cooking’ as intangible world heritage
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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UNESCO recognizes ‘Italian cooking’ as intangible world heritage
Italian cooking joins French gastronomy and Mexican cuisine on UNESCO’s list of global cultural gems, setting off celebration and snickering.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/12/10/italy-cooking-unesco-world-heritage/
4 months ago
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Pope Leo’s trip to Middle East will stress, and test, interfaith ties
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Pope Leo’s trip to Middle East will stress, and test, interfaith ties
Rather than his native Chicago or adopted Peru, Pope Leo XIV is making his first foreign trip to Turkey and Lebanon, putting him on tricky terrain shared by Muslims and Jews.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/26/pope-leo-xiv-middle-east-trip/
5 months ago
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Ukraine delegation meets Pope Leo to discuss children held in Russia
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Ukraine delegation meets Pope Leo to discuss children held in Russia
Ukraine hopes to capitalize on Pope Leo’s calls for peace to coax the Vatican into helping secure the release of children and other prisoners held by Russia.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/21/pope-leo-ukraine-russia-children/
5 months ago
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Trans women attend Vatican event with Pope Leo, but not at head table
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Trans women attend Vatican event with Pope Leo, but not at head table
A group of 48 transgender women attended a major Vatican event on Sunday with Pope Leo XIV, continuing a tradition that began under Pope Francis.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/16/pope-leo-transgender-women-vatican/
5 months ago
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Tariffs on pasta from Italy could soon soar to more than 100%
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Tariffs on pasta from Italy could soon soar to more than 100%
A routine Commerce Department probe into alleged “dumping” resulted in crushing 100% tariffs on Italian pasta that leave exporters shouting “Basta!”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/11/02/italy-pasta-tariffs-dumping/
5 months ago
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Traditionalists push Pope Leo to resurrect the Latin Mass
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Traditionalists push Pope Leo to resurrect the Latin Mass
The Latin Mass has become toxically politicized and is posing a test for Pope Leo XIV as traditionalists call on him to reverse restrictions imposed by Pope Francis.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/19/latin-mass-pope-leo-catholic/
6 months ago
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As Pope Leo riles conservatives, some say ‘just focus on the church’
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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As Pope Leo riles conservatives, some say ‘just focus on the church’
Conservatives who hoped that Leo, the first U.S.-born pope, would be more of a traditionalist instead hear echoes of his predecessor, Francis, in his public statements.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/09/pope-leo-riles-conservatives-vatican/
6 months ago
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Meloni’s Italy looks to restrict talk of LBGTQ sexuality in schools
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/1...
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Meloni’s Italy looks to restrict talk of LBGTQ+ sexuality in schools
New laws could ban LGBTQ+ issues from classrooms and more strictly limit transition-related care for transgender minors — part of a wider trend in Europe and the U.S.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/10/04/italy-schools-lgbtq-legislation-gender/
6 months ago
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As Gaza engulfs European politics, Italy sends navy ship on unlikely mission
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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As Gaza engulfs European politics, Italy sends navy ship on unlikely mission
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, inclined toward Israel, is navigating an uncomfortable position as the Italian navy helps a Gaza aid flotilla.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/25/gaza-flotilla-italy-spain-navy-israel/
7 months ago
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As LGBTQ pilgrims cross Vatican’s Holy Door, some see church in transition
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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As LGBTQ+ pilgrims cross Vatican’s Holy Door, some see church in transition
About 1,450 participants from 22 countries hoped for a sign from Pope Leo XIV that he would continue the LGBTQ+ outreach of his predecessor.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/07/gay-pilgrimage-pope-leo-vatican/
7 months ago
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Pope Leo set to canonize Carlo Acutis, the teen deemed ‘God’s Influencer’
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Leo set to canonize Carlo Acutis, the teen deemed ‘God’s Influencer’
He played video games like other teenagers but was also fascinated by the Eucharist and, since his death from leukemia at age 15, is credited with two miracles.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/07/influencer-saint-carlo-acutis-pope-leo/
7 months ago
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oggi in apertura di prima, sul Il primo pellegrinaggio giubilare LGBTQ+
7 months ago
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LGBTQ pilgrimage to Rome could test Pope Leo on gay Catholics
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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LGBTQ+ pilgrimage to Rome could test Pope Leo on gay Catholics
Under Pope Francis, the Vatican approved an improbable LGBTQ+ pilgrimage, but the views of Leo XIV, on an issue that has long divided the Catholic church, are not yet clear.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/09/05/lgbtq-pilgrimage-rome-pope-leo-gay-catholics/
7 months ago
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Italy’s new military spending: Bombs, bullets, the world’s longest bridge
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Italy’s new military spending: Bombs, bullets, the world’s longest bridge
The push to build the Messina bridge linking Sicily to mainland Italy illustrates how European governments are capitalizing on NATO’s pledge to boost defense spending.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/31/italy-sicily-bridge-nato-military/
8 months ago
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This 92-year-old sprinter has the muscle cells of someone in their 20s
www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/202...
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This 92-year-old sprinter has the muscle cells of someone in their 20s
Emma Maria Mazzenga, 92, holds four world records for women over 90. Now, researchers are trying to understand the secret to her success.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/08/24/92-year-old-sprinter-emma-mazzenga/
8 months ago
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Pope Leo may visit Lebanon on first major trip, Catholic officials say
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Leo may visit Lebanon on first major trip, Catholic officials say
Lebanon would be a highly symbolic stop for the first American pope, who has repeatedly called for peace in the Middle East.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/08/20/pope-leo-lebanon-first-trip-turkey-israel-middle-east-peace/
8 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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A convicted priest is back at work. Child advocates want Pope Leo to act.
Carlo Alberto Capella served prison time for a child pornography conviction but was allowed to return to work at the Vatican, posing a test for Pope Leo XIV.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/31/pope-leo-priest-convicted-vatican/
9 months ago
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The church in Gaza the pope used to call nightly hit by Israeli strike
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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The church in Gaza the pope used to call nightly hit by Israeli strike
The Rev. Gabriel Romanelli of the Church of the Holy Family used to speak every night with Pope Francis before the pontiff’s death.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/07/17/gaza-catholic-church-holy-family-strike/
9 months ago
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Venice, prime wedding spot, braces for a Bezos marital extravaganza
www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Venice, prime wedding spot, braces for a Bezos marital extravaganza
In Venice, a romantic backdrop of weddings for centuries, the marriage of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez is providing an economic windfall and stirring protest.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/25/venice-bezos-wedding-extravaganza-protests/
10 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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American arrested in killing of infant found with dead mother in Rome park
A tip to an Italian TV show focused on missing individuals helped police in Rome identify an American man who was arrested in Greece on Friday.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/06/13/american-arrested-infant-murdered-rome/
10 months ago
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Could Pope Leo mediate between Russia and Ukraine? Trump thinks so.
The Vatican has a long history of conflict mediation, with varying degrees of success. An effort by the pope to end the war in Ukraine would face long odds.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/21/pope-leo-russia-ukraine-trump/
11 months ago
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In inauguration, Leo urges end to division: It’s ‘the hour for love’
Leo, the first American and second Latin American pope, celebrated his inaugural Mass at the Vatican after waving to the faithful on the popemobile.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/18/pope-leo-inauguration-st-peters/
11 months ago
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Pope Leo’s debut: ‘Clear connections’ to Francis, but ‘he’s his own man’
As much as Leo he has echoed Francis, the first American pope is fast emerging as his own man.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/11/pope-leo-first-mass/
11 months ago
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How Pope Leo XIV became the conclave’s stealth candidate
Prevost, who was promoted by Francis and has a knack for management and a zeal for missionary work, was a stronger candidate than many outside the Vatican knew.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/09/how-was-pope-leo-chosen/
11 months ago
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youtu.be/SfYvwZ-zN6E?...
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Habemus Papam - Il torneo di pallavolo
YouTube video by Gianluca Punzi
https://youtu.be/SfYvwZ-zN6E?si=_5zRkz0Ona9LMhDi
12 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Italians once ruled the Catholic Church. Will they lead it again?
The last Italian pope died in 1978. Now, among the papal candidates ahead of next week’s conclave, there are several Italian contenders.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/05/01/pope-italian-zuppi-parolin-vatican/
12 months ago
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Among the meek and the mighty, Catholics bury their ‘people’s pope’
The pope’s unadorned tomb, marked by a single Latin word — Franciscus — was intended, a cleric said, to reflect a life of “simplicity and essential things.”
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/04/26/pope-francis-funeral-vatican/
12 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/politics/202...
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Vance meets with pope as Francis’s Easter message decries ‘logic of fear’
The visit at the Vatican brought together the ailing head of the Catholic church and a high-profile convert who has criticized the pope’s social teachings.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/04/20/vance-pope-francis-easter-vatican/
12 months ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Francis makes first public appearance, leaves hospital after five weeks
Pope Francis was released home to the Vatican following a hospitalization in which he suffered two respiratory episodes that almost cost him his life.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/23/pope-francis-hospital-release-angelus-appearance/
about 1 year ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital Sunday, doctors say
“The pope will be released tomorrow,” said one of the pope’s attending physicians Saturday, after Francis spent five weeks battling a severe health crisis.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/22/pope-francis-release-hospital/
about 1 year ago
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oggi in prima
about 1 year ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Francis is recovering. It hasn’t stopped talk of a succession.
The pontiff’s bout with double pneumonia, and warnings that he could be significantly diminished, have accelerated discussions of succession scenarios.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/15/pope-francis-succession-conclave/
about 1 year ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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First spoken words from Pope Francis since illness air in St. Peter’s Square
The recorded message was the first released by the Vatican since Pope Francis was hospitalized with a respiratory illness on Feb. 14.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/06/pope-francis-recording-health-update/
about 1 year ago
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www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/0...
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Pope Francis back on ventilator after respiratory failure
Pope Francis suffered two episodes of acute respiratory failure Monday, the Vatican said, a fresh setback in the worst health crisis of his papacy.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/03/03/pope-health-update-respiratory-falure/
about 1 year ago
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Pope retirement questions percolate as Francis marks two weeks in hospital
Pope Francis said previously that he might retire if facing extreme health issues. The Vatican reported that his condition is complicated but not critical.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/28/pope-francis-health-update-retirement/
about 1 year ago
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Pope shows ‘slight improvement’ ahead of special prayers at St. Peter’s
Pope Francis remained in critical condition as the Vatican called senior church officials in Rome to a special saying of the rosary in St. Peter’s Square.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/24/pope-francis-health-rosary/
about 1 year ago
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Pope Francis says he’s ‘confidently continuing’ care amid health crisis
The update to Francis’s condition came Sunday in the written text of his regular Angelus prayer after he had been listed as “critical” on Saturday.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/23/pope-francis-condition-health-hospital/
about 1 year ago
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Pope Francis is in ‘critical condition,’ Vatican says
The 88-year-old pontiff suffered a “prolonged asthmatic crisis” and low platelets, the Vatican said, but was alert and sitting in an armchair.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/02/22/pope-francis-critical-asthma/
about 1 year ago
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Italy’s Meloni says she is under investigation for release of Libyan official
Italy released Osama Elmasry Njeem on a technicality after he was arrested on a warrant from the International Criminal Court accusing him of war crimes.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/28/italy-meloni-ossama-al-masri/
about 1 year ago
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Amanda Knox slander conviction upheld in Italian court, ending legal saga
Amanda Knox, a former American exchange student, had been cleared of all other charges related to the death of her roommate in Italy 17 years ago.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2025/01/23/amanda-knox-italy-slander-conviction/
about 1 year ago
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reposted by
Stefano Pitrelli
Matthew Hay Brown
about 1 year ago
“This, if it’s true, will be a disgrace, because it will make poor unfortunates who have nothing foot the bill for [global] imbalances," Francis said Sunday. "That doesn't work. You don’t solve things that way"
@anthonyfaiola.bsky.social
@stefanopitrelli.bsky.social
report from Rome
wapo.st/40qNkq4
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Pope Francis calls Trump’s mass deportation plan a ‘disgrace’
The pope’s comments provided the latest indication of a potential rekindling of frictions between the Vatican and the next Trump White House.
https://wapo.st/40qNkq4
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