Rome

Fossilized tree rings

The history of the world is written in tree rings

Trees store information about climatic conditions in the rings they lay down each year. Dendrochronology — the science of studying these rings — allows scientists to learn about the ancient climate on Earth.

The history of the world is written in tree rings
People crowd Via del Corso shopping street ahead of a Christmas Eve national lockdown due to start on Dec. 24, in Rome.

For many across Europe, Christmas is 'canceled' this year

For many across Europe, Christmas is 'canceled' this year
Bar owner Cristina Mattioli put up a sign asking patrons not to talk about COVID-19.

At this Roman bar, talk about anything. Just not COVID-19.

At this Roman bar, talk about anything. Just not COVID-19.
Crosses bearing tags with names are seen in a graveyard of the Flaminio Cemetery, in Rome, Italy, Oct. 16, 2020.

In Italy, religious organizations' 'fetus graves' reignite abortion debate

In Italy, religious organizations' 'fetus graves' reignite abortion debate
A screenshot from Liberian Italian artist Karima 2G's 2014 music video, "Bunga Bunga," in which she raps about racism and objectification of women.

This Liberian Italian beatmaker uses music to tackle racism in Italy

This Liberian Italian beatmaker uses music to tackle racism in Italy
Pope Francis leads Mass and the Regina Coeli prayer in Rome's Santo Spirito in Sassia church without public participation due to an outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Rome, April 19, 2020.

Catholic Twitter debates Trump’s handling of coronavirus pandemic

Some prominent Catholics are criticizing Trump's handling of the coronavirus pandemic — and many have been vocal on Twitter.

Catholic Twitter debates Trump’s handling of coronavirus pandemic
A stone bridge is shown lined with people weaing protective face masks and applauding.

Masked and gloved, Italy joins nations creeping out of lockdown

Italy was among a slew of countries easing lockdown restrictions on Monday to resurrect their economies, but officials cautioned against moving too swiftly as new coronavirus cases passed 3.5 million globally and deaths neared a quarter of a million.

Masked and gloved, Italy joins nations creeping out of lockdown
Rev. Giuseppe Corbari in a small town in Lombardy printed out pictures of his congrgants and placed them on the pews so he'd feel less alone. 

Amid lockdown, churches find creative ways to keep in touch with the masses

The pope, the Vatican — a tiny city-state surrounded by Rome — and the church in predominantly Catholic Italy have all been forced to modify centuries of tradition because of the outbreak of the coronavirus. 

Amid lockdown, churches find creative ways to keep in touch with the masses
Megan Iacobini de Fazio is a freelance journalist who works from home in Torpignattara, Italy.

Living under lockdown in the Eternal City

A freelance journalist in Italy reflects on the country’s lockdown in light of the novel coronavirus.

Living under lockdown in the Eternal City
A woman is shown wearing a white jacket and a face mask is shown standing in the middle of the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II taking a photograph.

Streets deserted as Italy imposes unprecedented coronavirus lockdown

Italy faced an unprecedented lockdown on Tuesday that left streets in the capital Rome and other cities deserted after the government extended a clampdown across the entire country in a bid to slow Europe's worst outbreak of the coronavirus.

Streets deserted as Italy imposes unprecedented coronavirus lockdown
Soccer field

As racist incidents mount, European soccer officials vow to do more

For decades, there’s been a steady drip of racist incidents in soccer stadiums across Europe. Now, the pace seems to be increasing — particularly with abuse hurled against black players.

As racist incidents mount, European soccer officials vow to do more
Columns, foundations, and churches spread out around the city of Rome on a sunny day.

Is Trump the new Nero?

Barry Strauss is an expert in all things Roman. He joins The World's Marco Werman for a talk about Roman history and how its legendary figures compare to our modern politicians.

Is Trump the new Nero?
Shadows of tourists are cast across a papal crest on the floor

Unsealed records of Pope Pius XII could shed light on Vatican’s turbulent postwar years

Author David Kertzer tells host Marco Werman that historians hope to learn how much the Vatican knew about the persecution and mass murder of European Jews.

Unsealed records of Pope Pius XII could shed light on Vatican’s turbulent postwar years
An entrance of the North Korean embassy is pictured in Rome with a sign in both English and Korean reading "Embassy of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

A North Korea diplomat in Italy is missing, a South Korean MP says

A North Korean diplomat who was until recently acting ambassador to Italy has gone missing, a South Korean member of parliament said on Thursday.

A North Korea diplomat in Italy is missing, a South Korean MP says
pope

'The conservatives have declared war': Inside the accusations upending the Catholic Church

"The conservatives have declared war and they are convinced they can reform the Church with a frontal attack," a senior Vatican prelate said, speaking on the condition of anonymity because "the line is silence" now.

'The conservatives have declared war': Inside the accusations upending the Catholic Church