At least 43 migrants drowned in a shipwreck off Tunisia while attempting to cross the Mediterranean from Libya to Italy, with 84 others rescued. The boat, which departed from Zuwara on Libya's northwest coast, carried migrants from Egypt, Sudan, Eritrea, and Bangladesh, according to the Tunisian Red Crescent.

Pope Francis has initiated a synod in Vatican City, involving Roman Catholic bishops, lay people, and women, marking the first time women have voting rights. The meeting, held behind closed doors, will address contentious issues such as the role of women and laypeople in decision-making, the possibility of married priests, and the church's stance on divorce and LGBTQ matters. The synod aims to foster a church that is merciful, united, and open to dialogue. Despite conservative cardinals urging Pope Francis to reaffirm traditional doctrines, he has shown openness to blessing same-sex couples, emphasizing pastoral prudence and inclusivity.

Pope Francis leads a global synod involving bishops, laity, and women to discuss contentious issues within the Catholic Church, including the role of women, the possibility of married priests, and LGBTQ teachings. The four-week meeting, held in Vatican City's Aula Paul VI, aims to foster a more inclusive and merciful Church. Despite conservative cardinals urging the Pope to reaffirm traditional doctrines, Francis remains open to discussions, emphasizing pastoral prudence and unity. Media access is restricted, and participants are instructed not to disclose discussions.

A new museum in Rome, the Rescued Art Museum, has opened to display around 100 valuable artifacts recovered by the Carabinieri art squad. These artifacts, stolen by tomb raiders and illegally exported to the U.S., were returned after over two decades of negotiations and legal proceedings. The museum, suggested by Carabinieri General Roberto Riccardi and supported by Culture Minister Dario Franceschini, aims to showcase these cultural treasures temporarily before returning them to their places of origin. The Carabinieri have recovered over 3 million cultural goods and seized more than 1.3 million fake works of art since the squad's establishment in 1969.

Pope Francis humorously remarked that he needed tequila to cope with knee pain, a comment that went viral. The pope has been dealing with strained ligaments in his right knee, leading to the use of a wheelchair and the cancellation of a trip to Lebanon. Despite concerns about his health, close advisers, including Argentine Bishop Victor Manuel Fernandez, affirm that he remains in good health. The pope has a busy travel schedule, with upcoming trips to the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, and Canada.

Pope Francis made a fervent appeal for an end to the war in Ukraine during his Easter message, urging the faithful to advocate for peace and the cessation of senseless cruelty and destruction. Addressing tens of thousands of Catholics in St. Peter's Square, he described the occasion as an 'Easter of war' and called for a new dawn of hope. He expressed solidarity with Ukrainian victims, refugees, and displaced persons, and praised the charitable actions of families and communities across Europe. The Pope also highlighted other global conflicts and suffering, emphasizing the universal responsibility to pursue peace.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan at the end of January, a trip previously postponed due to health issues. The visit aims to strengthen faith and promote peace in regions affected by conflict. In the DRC, the Pope will meet with authorities and victims of conflict, while in South Sudan, he will engage with internally displaced persons and participate in an ecumenical prayer service. The visit underscores the Pope's commitment to reconciliation and peace in these regions.

Pope Francis is scheduled to visit the Democratic Republic of the Congo from January 31 to February 3 and South Sudan thereafter, a trip previously postponed due to his knee ailments. The visit includes meetings with authorities, victims of conflict, and representatives of charitable organizations in Kinshasa, and an ecumenical prayer service and Mass in Juba. The trip aims to awaken and strengthen faith, offer consolation, and heal wounds, especially in the conflict-ridden eastern Congo. The pope has expressed condolences for a recent bombing at a Pentecostal church in Congo and concern for violence in South Sudan, calling for peace and national reconciliation.

Saudi Arabia celebrated the New Year with a special concert at the Hegra archaeological site near Alula. Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its over 100 monumental tombs. The event was organized by Italy's Balich Wonder Studio, which is recognized for their work on Olympic Games ceremonies and other significant shows.

Pope Francis visited Bahrain, marking the first time a head of the Catholic Church has done so and his second trip to a Gulf Arab nation. The visit aimed to improve Catholic-Muslim ties, with Bahrain hosting a small Catholic community of mainly Asian migrants. Despite facing criticism for human rights abuses, Bahrain's government denies such charges. During his visit, Pope Francis called for an end to discrimination and human rights violations, while King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa emphasized religious freedom. At the Bahrain Forum for Dialogue, Pope Francis, alongside Muslim, Christian, and Jewish leaders, urged religions to unite for peace and against the use of violence. The forum also saw calls for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine from both King Hamad and the Grand Imam Ahmed el-Tayeb of al-Azhar University.

Villa Aurora, a Roman villa with a Caravaggio mural, is at the center of an inheritance dispute following Prince Nicolo Boncompagni Ludovisi's death. His widow, Princess Rita, and his sons are contesting the will. The villa, valued for its artistic treasures, has been unsuccessfully auctioned and is set for another auction with a base price of 105 million euros. Art lovers have called for Italian state intervention to make the villa's artworks accessible to the public, but the state has not purchased the property. Princess Rita hopes for a resolution and a new strategy for Villa Aurora before the next auction.

Jamila Afghani, an educator and human rights defender, was awarded the 2022 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity for her work through the Noor Educational & Capacity Development Organization in Kabul. Unable to attend the ceremony, Afghani addressed the audience from Canada, where she fled after the Taliban's takeover. She highlighted the severe restrictions faced by women and girls in Afghanistan. The Aurora Prize Selection Committee chose Afghani from three finalists, including Hadi Jumaan from Yemen and Egyptian lawyer Mahienour El-Massry. The event, attended by former Irish President Mary Robinson, featured prayers, music, and art on San Lazzaro Island in Venice. The Aurora Prize was established by philanthropists of Armenian origin to honor humanitarians on the centennial of the Armenian genocide.

Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, prompting the Italian Cabinet to declare a state of emergency in five northern regions and allocate $39.5 million in emergency funds. The drought, exacerbated by high temperatures and lack of rain, is severely impacting the Po Valley, a crucial agricultural area. Authorities are implementing water restrictions and may consider further measures, including water rationing. The drought is part of broader concerns about climate change and food insecurity, with potential implications for other regions in Italy.

Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, severely affecting major rivers and agricultural production. The drought's epicenter has shifted to central regions, with the Po River significantly dried up. Regions like Tuscany, Lazio, and Marche face extreme drought conditions, risking 30% of national agricultural production. Water rationing measures are being implemented in northern regions, including Lombardy, where a state of emergency has been declared. The Italian government is expected to declare a drought state of emergency to provide financial aid. Soaring temperatures exacerbate the situation, with measures like reducing water pressure being taken to conserve water.

Saudi Arabia celebrated the New Year with a special concert at the Hegra archaeological site, part of the Alula Moments Season. The event, organized by Balich Wonder Studio, featured performances by South Africa's Stefan Lombard ensemble and was illuminated by high-tech candles. The festival, which includes concerts and cultural activities, is part of Saudi Arabia's Winter At Tantora festival, featuring artists like Andrea Bocelli and Omar Khairat. The Royal Commission for Alula appointed Balich Wonder Studio to produce events throughout the season.

Italy has outlawed fur farming with the Italian Senate's Budget Committee voting to close all existing mink fur farms by the end of June. The decision, which awaits official parliamentary approval, has been hailed by animal rights campaigners as a dream come true. The move follows a Humane Society International/Europe report on the state of fur farming in Italy. The fur industry has declined significantly since the 1990s, with major fashion brands ceasing the use of fur. Italy's Ministry of Agriculture has allocated 3 million euros for farmer compensation.

Pope Francis delivered his 'Urbi et Orbi' message on Christmas Day, emphasizing the need for dialogue amid the pandemic and ongoing global conflicts. He highlighted the challenges of social isolation and the tendency to overlook international crises, urging for attention to conflict zones like Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and regions in Africa. The Pope also called for prayers for victims of violence and the vulnerable, stressing the importance of providing healthcare and vaccines to those in need.

Julienne Lusenge, a tireless advocate for victims of wartime sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo, was awarded the Aurora Prize for her humanitarian efforts. The award, which includes a one million dollar prize, was presented at a ceremony in Venice, Italy. The Aurora Prize, established in 2015 to honor the memory of Armenian genocide victims, recognizes individuals for their extraordinary humanitarian work. Other finalists included Grégoire Ahongbonon, Ruby Alba Castaño, Ashwaq Moharram, and Paul Farmer. The event featured performances and attendance by notable figures, including Nobel laureates and former heads of state.

Julienne Lusenge, a human rights activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been awarded the 2021 Aurora Humanitarian Prize for her work with victims of wartime sexual violence. The prize, announced in Italy, is valued at one million dollars and will aid Lusenge's efforts in supporting Congolese women and girls. The Aurora Prize, established by Armenian philanthropists, honors individuals who have made significant humanitarian contributions. The ceremony featured notable attendees, including Nobel laureates, and highlighted the emotional impact of the award on Lusenge and the Congolese community.

Pope Francis expressed shame and sadness following an investigation revealing over 200,000 children were sexually abused by clergy in France over 70 years. The report, commissioned by the French Catholic Church, found around 3,000 abusers and highlighted the church's failure to prioritize victims. Jean-Marc Sauvé, head of the commission, criticized the church's indifference and cover-up. Pope Francis called for actions to prevent future abuses and expressed gratitude to the victims. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized the need for truth and compensation.

A ban on cruise liners and ships over 25,000 tons or longer than 180 meters from Venice's Giudecca Canal has come into effect to protect the city's environmental, artistic, and cultural heritage. The Italian government's urgent decree aims to prevent Venice from being listed as an 'endangered' Unesco World Heritage site. Temporary docking has been arranged at Marghera's industrial port, with plans for new docks to accommodate large ships. Activists, including Tommaso Cacciari of No Grandi Navi, view the ban as a victory, while others worry about the economic impact on tourism and local livelihoods dependent on the cruise industry.

Following England's defeat in the Euro 2020 final, Black players who missed penalty kicks faced a wave of online racist abuse. The Football Association condemned the attacks, emphasizing support for the affected players and calling for severe punishments for the perpetrators. England manager Gareth Southgate and Prime Minister Boris Johnson also condemned the abuse, with Johnson calling the team heroes. London police have launched an investigation, and Twitter has removed over 1,000 offensive tweets and suspended several accounts.

A newly restored section of the Colosseum, the hypogeum, is now open to the public, featuring a wooden walkway that allows visitors to explore the underground tunnels and chambers. The restoration, funded by Diego Della Valle's Tod's fashion group, involved over 80 experts and took two years to complete. The project is part of a larger restoration effort that began in 2013. Alfonsina Russo, director of the archaeological park, highlighted the historical significance and complexity of the restoration. Future plans include further restoration, a new visitors' center, and a high-tech retractable stage for cultural events.

Former athletes urged the University of Michigan's governing board to conduct a full investigation into the sexual abuse committed by the late Dr. Robert Anderson and the university's failure to stop him. They criticized the May report detailing numerous complaints and the university's lack of action. Attorney General Dana Nessel stated she would investigate only if the university cooperates. The university is currently in private mediation with victims over financial settlements. Allegations against Anderson have been public for over a year, with claims that notable figures like coach Bo Schembechler and athletic director Don Canham could have intervened but did not.

Pope Francis has introduced significant changes to the Catholic Church's criminal code to address sexual abuse crimes, emphasizing the gravity of such offenses and the need for justice for victims. The new code, effective December 8, reclassifies abuse under 'Offenses Against Human Life, Dignity and Liberty' and includes new crimes like grooming and possessing child pornography. Both clergy and laypeople will be held accountable, and cover-ups by superiors will no longer be tolerated. Monsignor Filippo Iannone highlighted the need for these reforms due to recent scandals and a history of leniency in penal law interpretation.

Europe is enhancing its border security with a digital fortress to deter illegal migration, using a range of high-tech surveillance tools. The EU has invested heavily in security technology research following the 2015-16 refugee crisis. The Greek-Turkish border is being fortified with a steel wall, observation towers, and AI-driven surveillance systems. Human rights advocates criticize the technological approach, fearing it dehumanizes migrants and could be misused. Migration flows have decreased during the pandemic, but the global migrant population has grown significantly over the past two decades.

COVID-19 cases in the United States have dropped to the lowest rates since June 2020, with optimism growing as vaccination campaigns curb severe cases and virus spread. Despite the positive trend, health experts warn that the potential for new variants remains due to insufficient vaccination coverage. The CDC reports a significant decrease in average daily cases and deaths, and states are easing restrictions, with some using incentives like lotteries to encourage vaccinations. Health experts emphasize the importance of vigilance against new virus strains and the need for a high vaccination rate to fully extinguish the virus.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating reports of myocarditis in young people following COVID-19 vaccinations, primarily in male teenagers and young adults after the second dose. A study by Public Health England found that Pfizer-BioNTech and AstraZeneca vaccines are effective against the COVID-19 variants first identified in India and England. Health Secretary Matt Hancock expressed confidence in the vaccines' effectiveness. Kaiser Health News highlighted the physical and cognitive decline in older adults during the pandemic. India reported high COVID-19 infection rates and deaths, with concerns about a potential third wave. Global COVID-19 infection data was provided by Johns Hopkins University.

The 74th World Health Assembly, held virtually from May 24 to June 1, will focus on ending the COVID-19 pandemic and preventing future pandemics. Key discussions will include a potential pandemic treaty, vaccine equity, and Taiwan's observer status. Other significant topics include polio eradication, antimicrobial resistance, and WHO's strategy on health, environment, and climate change. The assembly will address over 72 global health issues, with more than 2,750 participants registered.

Two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech or AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines are nearly as effective against the Indian variant as against the English variant, according to a study by Public Health England. Pfizer's vaccine is 88% effective against the Indian variant and 93% against the English variant, while AstraZeneca's is 60% and 66% effective, respectively. The study emphasizes the importance of two doses, especially for vulnerable groups. In India, COVID-19 cases remain high but are stabilizing in some regions. Taiwan reports new cases and urges calm, while warning against misinformation from China.

A new museum in Paris, housing the contemporary art collection of French billionaire Francois Pinault, has opened as French cultural institutions reopen post-coronavirus restrictions. The Pinault Collection features a diverse array of contemporary art, including works by prominent Black artists like David Hammons. Curator Caroline Bourgeois emphasizes the museum's focus on contemporary issues and inclusivity, avoiding categorizing artists by race or gender. The museum, housed in a redeveloped former grain exchange, offers a unique space with views of Paris and a mix of restored historical elements and modern art. The opening exhibit, titled 'Ouvert,' has been well-received by visitors, who appreciate its accessibility and relevance.

The European Union has signed a third contract with Pfizer-BioNTech for an additional 1.8 billion doses of its COVID-19 vaccine, with 900 million doses of the current vaccine and an option for an extra 900 million doses. The contract includes provisions for donating excess doses to COVAX. EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakides emphasized the need for booster vaccines and protection against virus variants. The EU has secured up to 2.6 billion doses from six Western vaccine makers, with vaccination rates significantly increasing.

A new decree by the Italian government easing Covid-19 restrictions has brought optimism as the country prepares to welcome tourists for the summer. Bars, restaurants, and other venues are reopening, and quarantine requirements for arrivals from Europe, Britain, and Israel have been removed. Despite the positive outlook, some, like hotel owner Monica Milandri, remain skeptical about a quick recovery for the tourism sector. The World Travel & Tourism Council reported a significant drop in tourism's contribution to Italy's GDP due to the pandemic. However, there is renewed hope with the return of visitors and the introduction of Covid-free flights from the US.