Alan Jesus Esparza

VATICAN CITY-- Pope Leo XIV has praised the popemobile as an “instrument of encounter” ahead of an exhibition at the Vatican Museums tracing nearly a century of papal vehicles and the Holy See’s collaboration with Mercedez-Benz. 

Addressing executives of the German carmaker at the Vatican Wednesday, the pontiff said the vehicles had evolved from a means of transport into a way of bringing popes closer to the faithful during papal visits and celebrations, as stated in a release from the Holy See Press Office. 

28 Oct 2026
Philip Willan

 BARDOLINO — With Italian wine producers facing mounting challenges, from global warming to changing lifestyles, wine experts gathered on the shores of Lake Garda this autumn to assess the way forward and raise glasses to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the creation of the Consorzio Vini Bardolino.

27 Oct 2026
Alan Jesus Esparza

VATICAN CITY -- Pope Leo XIV will travel to Uruguay, Argentina and Peru from Nov. 6 to 17, beginning his trip next week as planned after doctors cleared him to make the journey following his lung cancer surgery, the Holy See Press Office confirmed.

  In a statement issued Monday, the Vatican said the pontiff was recovering well and that medical examinations showed no need for further cancer treatment.

27 Oct 2026
Alan Jesus Esparza

ROME-- A Calabrian bishop has called for peace after mafia gunmen shot and killed Silvana Sibarelli, 60, the wife of Damiano Pepe, known as “Tripolino”. Investigators identify Pepe as a senior figure in the ’Ndrangheta mafia.

  Bishop Francesco Savino of Cassano all’lonio made an appeal to the attackers to repent following the killing of Sibarelli. He urged residents to reject fear and silence.

  “Repent! Lay down your weapons and take responsibility for the evil you have done,” he said in a statement issued on Oct.24.

26 Oct 2026
Michael LaPointe

AMALFI-From Saint Francis to Scandinavian playwright Henrik Ibsen, the tourist-famed Amalfi Coast for centuries has attracted a constellation of spiritual and artistic pilgrims inspired by its stunning, cliff-dropping views of the Mediterranean.

 This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a perfect example of historic human adaptation blending with a dramatic and challenging environment. It is ideal for a weekend getaway at just over a three-hour drive from Rome.

26 Oct 2026