Francis uses a cane or a wheelchair to move around due to a knee ailment, and suffers from repeated bouts of bronchitis and influenza. The faithful attend the “Way of the Cross” torchlight procession on Good Friday near the Colosseum in Rome. Photo: EPA-EFE Good Friday leads on Sunday to Easter, the most important and … Read more
Reservations for Italy’s new “La Dolce Vita Orient Express” train open Tuesday. Luxury train enthusiasts may want to lock in the current rate now — before it climbs any higher. Starting rates for a one-night journey on the luxury train increased from 2,000 euros ($2,168) per person in December 2022 to 2,500 euros per person … Read more
Pope Francis washed and kissed the feet of 12 women inmates at a Rome prison during a Holy Thursday ritual meant to emphasize his vocation of service and humility. The 87-year-old Francis performed the ritual from his wheelchair, after recent ailments have compounded his mobility problems. The Rebibbia prison venue was outfitted to accommodate his … Read more
Ukraine on Monday summoned the Vatican’s envoy to Kyiv after Pope Francis suggested the country should consider raising “the white flag” against Russia, causing fury in Kyiv. “Due to the statements of Pope Francis, the Apostolic Nuncio was invited to the ministry of foreign affairs of Ukraine,” the ministry said on social media, using the … Read more
Millions of holidaymakers have chosen a destination based on a book they’ve read – with “Under the Tuscan Sun”, by Frances Mayes, named as the top inspiration. A study of 2,000 adults found one in four have booked a holiday in order to visit a location referenced in a novel. Some of the most popular … Read more
Sonja Prokopec took her son on their first “solo” trip together when he was six years old. They went to Rome, and it was so memorable that Prokopec said she’s now planning their second trip this summer. “I really enjoy one-on-one time which we have when travelling alone,” she said. “There are no distractions, no … Read more
Nearly one in five Americans said they plan to travel less in 2024, with most citing costs as the reason , according to Intrepid Travel’s 2024 Outlook Survey. But many travelers are pressing forward, seeking ways to save without compromising their trips. And for some 70% of respondents of Intrepid’s survey, that means avoiding peak … Read more
The Roman Catholic Church should allow priests to get married, one of its top officials has said. Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who leads Malta’s Catholic Church as well the Vatican body that investigates sex abuse allegations made about priests, said the church was losing people because of its strict celibacy rules. In Christmas message, pope begs … Read more
Tokyo, Japan. Matteo Colombo | DigitalVision | Getty Images When it comes to travel abroad, popular destinations like London, Paris and Rome always seem to top the wish list for Americans. But many travelers are looking beyond those mainstay cities for trips in 2024. Interest in major Asian hubs, off-the-beaten-path locales in Europe and other … Read more
AT least 61 people, including children, have been killed in a “tragic shipwreck” after a boat carrying 86 migrants left Libya. The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Libya made the announcement on social media on Saturday. 1 At least 61 people are thought to have died in the tragedy. Image shows an overcrowded wooden … Read more
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