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Vatican

A couple kiss in front of the Pantheon during a demonstration of supporters of same-sex civil union in Rome.

Protesters in Italy tell lawmakers it’s time to ‘wake up’ and recognize same-sex unions

Justice

Italians have spent decades considering whether to legalize civil unions for gays. This week Italian parliamentarians may finally act.

Pope Francis arrives to lead a special audience to mark 50th anniversary of Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican on October 17, 2015.

When the Vatican speaks on matters of doctrine, it will be in Italian

Belief
Pope Francis arrives to lead his Wednesday general audience in Saint Peter's square at the Vatican in Rome on June 17, 2015.

Pope Francis sounds the alarm on the environment and he wants everyone to listen

Environment
Nuns look on as Pope Francis arrives to lead his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican on October 22, 2014.

American nuns get an unexpected olive branch from the Vatican

Belief
A bishop takes a picture with a tablet during the Synod on the Family. The Roman Catholic assembly has softened its traditional Catholic stance against gays, suggesting "accepting and valuing their sexual orientation."

The Catholic Church changed only its tone on gays, but that’s still a big deal

Belief
Visitors to the Vatican often overlook the historical significance of the building's floors, which are frequently made from re-purposed bits of ancient history.

You’d better watch where you walk the next time you visit the Vatican

Culture

The Vatican is dense with art and history — every arch, piece of art and ceiling has a story to tell. But so do the floors, which are easy to miss. Whether paved with marble from the Coliseum or sporting mosaics from ancient villas, the floors of the Vatican have much to tell.