The remains of Christopher Columbus, the man who is known to have "discovered" America, have now been discovered. The official resting place of the explorer has been located in Spain.&nbsp;

Genetic testing has confirmed that a partial set of remains of Columbus are sitting in an elaborate catafalque at the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Forensic medical expert José Antonio Lorente, who studied the remains, confirmed it on Thursday.

Lorente was part of a team of scientists at the University of Granada that identified the remains. The researchers took samples from Columbus’s son, Fernando, and one of his brothers and studied the set to reach a conclusion.

Revealing the news, Lorente said at a press conference, "Today, thanks to new technology, the previous partial theory that the remains in Seville are those of Christopher Columbus has been definitively confirmed."

Columbus passed away in 1506 in an area that today comprises Spain. However, historical records suggest that he wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, that is present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. So his remains were later taken to the region in 1542.&nbsp;

Some of his remains were moved to Cuba in 1795. But Spain lost control of Cuba in the Spanish-American War, after which they were moved to Seville in 1898.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vikings-likely-encountered-indigenous-americans-long-before-columbus-did-764186">Vikings, not Columbus, were first to discover North America and meet Indigenous Americans</a>

There has been speculation over the location of the remains over the past century. Experts have debated whether all of Columbus’ remains were taken to Seville for his official final resting place or if some or all of them were still unofficially in the DR.

An excavation of the Santo Domingo Cathedral in the Dominican Republic in 1877 revealed a small lead box containing incomplete bone fragments labelled as Columbus’. Those remains are interred at the so-called Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo Este.

Since the set of remains in Seville is incomplete, Lorente believes the remains in the lead box are also of the explorer.

<h2>Documentary on Columbus</h2>

Meanwhile, the researchers have also zeroed in on his ethnic origin, but have kept it a secret for now. His genetic background will be revealed in a documentary, “Columbus DNA: The True Origin,” which will air on the Spanish national broadcaster TVE on Saturday.&nbsp;

Experts believe Columbus was actually a Spain Jew or possibly Greek, Basque or Portuguese. He sailed for Spain in 1492, but historians have doubts about the original story that he hailed from Genoa, Italy.

Columbus has been believed to have "discovered America" but some historians say he only made it to the Bahamas and elsewhere in the Caribbean but not what is now known as the US.&nbsp;

The remains of Christopher Columbus, the man who is known to have "discovered" America, have now been discovered. The official resting place of the explorer has been located in Spain.

The remains of Christopher Columbus, the man who is known to have "discovered" America, have now been discovered. The official resting place of the explorer has been located in Spain. Genetic testing has confirmed that a partial set of remains of Columbus are sitting in an elaborate catafalque at the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Forensic medical expert José Antonio Lorente, who studied the remains, confirmed it on Thursday. Lorente was part of a team of scientists at the University of Granada that identified the remains. The researchers took samples from Columbus’s son, Fernando, and one of his brothers and studied the set to reach a conclusion. Revealing the news, Lorente said at a press conference, "Today, thanks to new technology, the previous partial theory that the remains in Seville are those of Christopher Columbus has been definitively confirmed." Columbus passed away in 1506 in an area that today comprises Spain. However, historical records suggest that he wished to be buried on the island of Hispaniola, that is present-day Haiti and the Dominican Republic. So his remains were later taken to the region in 1542. Some of his remains were moved to Cuba in 1795. But Spain lost control of Cuba in the Spanish-American War, after which they were moved to Seville in 1898. Also Read: Vikings, not Columbus, were first to discover North America and meet Indigenous Americans There has been speculation over the location of the remains over the past century. Experts have debated whether all of Columbus’ remains were taken to Seville for his official final resting place or if some or all of them were still unofficially in the DR. An excavation of the Santo Domingo Cathedral in the Dominican Republic in 1877 revealed a small lead box containing incomplete bone fragments labelled as Columbus’. Those remains are interred at the so-called Columbus Lighthouse in Santo Domingo Este. Since the set of remains in Seville is incomplete, Lorente believes the remains in the lead box are also of the explorer. Documentary on Columbus Meanwhile, the researchers have also zeroed in on his ethnic origin, but have kept it a secret for now. His genetic background will be revealed in a documentary, “Columbus DNA: The True Origin,” which will air on the Spanish national broadcaster TVE on Saturday. Experts believe Columbus was actually a Spain Jew or possibly Greek, Basque or Portuguese. He sailed for Spain in 1492, but historians have doubts about the original story that he hailed from Genoa, Italy. Columbus has been believed to have "discovered America" but some historians say he only made it to the Bahamas and elsewhere in the Caribbean but not what is now known as the US.

Was Columbus a Spanish Jew? Explorer's final resting place revealed, docu to confirm ethnicity

Columbus Zoo,&nbsp;in the US state of Ohio, has welcomed a new addition to its gorilla family - a critically endangered western lowland baby gorilla born to first-time mother Sue and experienced father Ktembe.

The infant, with tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes, was born in the early hours of Saturday (June 29) morning.

Zoo officials&nbsp;said that Sue is providing excellent care to her newborn, nuzzling and cradling the baby closely.

To ensure Sue and her offspring have time to bond, the zoo will determine the sex of the baby at a later date.

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The indoor viewing habitat in the Zoo's Congo Expedition region will remain closed for several days to provide the gorillas with privacy.

<h2>Critically endangered</h2>

Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

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“Habitat loss and deforestation have historically been the primary cause for declining populations of Africa’s great apes, but experts now agree that the illegal commercial bushmeat trade has surpassed habitat loss as the primary threat to ape populations—particularly for western lowland gorillas,” zoo officials reportedly said.

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The Columbus Zoo has a long history with gorillas, being the birthplace of Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo in 1956. This baby is the 35th gorilla born at the Columbus Zoo since then.

The pairing of Sue and Ktembe was recommended by the Species Survival Plan, a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to maintain the genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in professional care.

The zoo's expert Animal Care team had been preparing for the baby's arrival and is dedicated to providing the gorillas with top-quality care and well-being.

Curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region Audra Meinelt reportedly said, "We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who diligently work to provide the gorillas with top quality care and wellbeing while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renown gorilla program."

The zoo invites visitors to see the newly expanded gorilla family starting Monday, July 8, from 11 am to 6 pm&nbsp;throughout July, although baby viewing is not guaranteed as the troop will have access to the indoor habitat and behind-the-scenes areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Columbus Zoo, in the US state of Ohio, has welcomed a new addition to its gorilla family - a critically endangered western lowland baby gorilla born to first-time mother Sue and experienced father Ktembe.

Columbus Zoo, in the US state of Ohio, has welcomed a new addition to its gorilla family - a critically endangered western lowland baby gorilla born to first-time mother Sue and experienced father Ktembe. The infant, with tiny hands and beautiful big brown eyes, was born in the early hours of Saturday (June 29) morning. Zoo officials said that Sue is providing excellent care to her newborn, nuzzling and cradling the baby closely. To ensure Sue and her offspring have time to bond, the zoo will determine the sex of the baby at a later date. Also Read | Rare vampire squid's appearance in South China Sea leaves biologists puzzled The indoor viewing habitat in the Zoo's Congo Expedition region will remain closed for several days to provide the gorillas with privacy. Critically endangered Western lowland gorillas are listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. Also Read | THIS animal was painted in the first artwork created by humans in Indonesian cave “Habitat loss and deforestation have historically been the primary cause for declining populations of Africa’s great apes, but experts now agree that the illegal commercial bushmeat trade has surpassed habitat loss as the primary threat to ape populations—particularly for western lowland gorillas,” zoo officials reportedly said. Watch | Chinese-owned leather bag supplier of Dior under investigation × The Columbus Zoo has a long history with gorillas, being the birthplace of Colo, the first gorilla born in a zoo in 1956. This baby is the 35th gorilla born at the Columbus Zoo since then. The pairing of Sue and Ktembe was recommended by the Species Survival Plan, a program coordinated by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to maintain the genetic diversity of threatened and endangered species in professional care. The zoo's expert Animal Care team had been preparing for the baby's arrival and is dedicated to providing the gorillas with top-quality care and well-being. Curator of the Columbus Zoo’s Congo Expedition region Audra Meinelt reportedly said, "We are proud of the dedication of our care teams who diligently work to provide the gorillas with top quality care and wellbeing while continuing the legacy of the Columbus Zoo’s renown gorilla program." The zoo invites visitors to see the newly expanded gorilla family starting Monday, July 8, from 11 am to 6 pm throughout July, although baby viewing is not guaranteed as the troop will have access to the indoor habitat and behind-the-scenes areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Columbus zoo celebrates birth of critically endangered western lowland Gorilla

In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Europe following his journey to the Americas deemed historic and disputed in different circles globally.&nbsp;

Shortly thereafter, a plague dubbed the 'Great Pox' emerged among French soldiers in Italy, marking Europe's initial encounter with syphilis.

Long-standing debates, often tinged with racial and xenophobic ideologies, have surrounded the origin of syphilis.&nbsp;

The Columbus hypothesis, attributing the disease's introduction to the New World, gained traction due to the timing of Columbus' return. But recent findings challenge this narrative.

An international research team has uncovered the oldest case of a syphilis-like disease in 2,000-year-old bones discovered in Brazil.&nbsp;

<h2>What does it mean?</h2>

Genetic analysis revealed an ancient bacterial subspecies closely related to the treponemal pathogen causing bejel, a disease primarily found in arid regions of Africa, western Asia, and the Mediterranean.

Contrary to expectations, this bejel-like disease in pre-Columbian Brazil suggests the existence of treponemal diseases in South America long before Columbus arrived. However, crucially, they were not the sexually transmitted syphilis that later impacted Europe.

Also watch |&nbsp;Congenital Syphilis - Cases spike in US

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Environmental scientist Kerttu Majander from the University of Basel notes, "The fact that the findings represent an endemic type of treponemal diseases, and not sexually transmitted syphilis, leaves the origin of the sexually transmitted syphilis still unsettled."

Historical debates over syphilis origins have often centred around Columbus. Recent genetic hints in European bones predating Columbus have fuelled discussions.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/health-and-wellness/rising-cases-of-syphilis-in-the-us-what-is-this-stigmatised-disease-all-about-618084">Explainer: Rising cases of syphilis in the US: What is this stigmatised disease all about?</a>

The Brazilian study addresses such limitations by discovering a bejel-like disease in a humid area, challenging the geographic confines of its modern counterpart. Human bones in a Mexican cave exhibiting syphilis-like lesions dating back 9,900 years add further complexity.

Archaeologist Verena Schünemann, formerly of the University of Zurich, said, "As we have not found any sexually transmitted syphilis in South America, the theory that Columbus brought syphilis to Europe seems to appear more improbable."

<h2>What is the bottom line?</h2>

This research encourages further exploration of ancient bacterial DNA in human remains across the continent, hinting at a complex history for syphilis, perhaps rooted in mutations of treponemes existing for millennia.

(With inputs from agencies)

In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Europe following his journey to the Americas deemed historic and disputed in different circles globally. Shortly thereafter, a plague dubbed the 'Great Pox' emerged among French soldiers in Italy, marking Europe's initial encounter with syphilis.

In 1493, Christopher Columbus returned to Europe following his journey to the Americas deemed historic and disputed in different circles globally. Shortly thereafter, a plague dubbed the 'Great Pox' emerged among French soldiers in Italy, marking Europe's initial encounter with syphilis. Long-standing debates, often tinged with racial and xenophobic ideologies, have surrounded the origin of syphilis. The Columbus hypothesis, attributing the disease's introduction to the New World, gained traction due to the timing of Columbus' return. But recent findings challenge this narrative. An international research team has uncovered the oldest case of a syphilis-like disease in 2,000-year-old bones discovered in Brazil. What does it mean? Genetic analysis revealed an ancient bacterial subspecies closely related to the treponemal pathogen causing bejel, a disease primarily found in arid regions of Africa, western Asia, and the Mediterranean. Contrary to expectations, this bejel-like disease in pre-Columbian Brazil suggests the existence of treponemal diseases in South America long before Columbus arrived. However, crucially, they were not the sexually transmitted syphilis that later impacted Europe. Also watch | Congenital Syphilis - Cases spike in US × Environmental scientist Kerttu Majander from the University of Basel notes, "The fact that the findings represent an endemic type of treponemal diseases, and not sexually transmitted syphilis, leaves the origin of the sexually transmitted syphilis still unsettled." Historical debates over syphilis origins have often centred around Columbus. Recent genetic hints in European bones predating Columbus have fuelled discussions. Also read | Explainer: Rising cases of syphilis in the US: What is this stigmatised disease all about? The Brazilian study addresses such limitations by discovering a bejel-like disease in a humid area, challenging the geographic confines of its modern counterpart. Human bones in a Mexican cave exhibiting syphilis-like lesions dating back 9,900 years add further complexity. Archaeologist Verena Schünemann, formerly of the University of Zurich, said, "As we have not found any sexually transmitted syphilis in South America, the theory that Columbus brought syphilis to Europe seems to appear more improbable." What is the bottom line? This research encourages further exploration of ancient bacterial DNA in human remains across the continent, hinting at a complex history for syphilis, perhaps rooted in mutations of treponemes existing for millennia. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Columbus spread syphilis? New research challenges longstanding theory about STD's origin

The city of Columbus, Ohio, announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement to pay $5.75 million to 32 plaintiffs who said that they were injured and that their constitutional rights were violated by members of the city’s police division during social justice protests in the summer of 2020.

After the killing of George Floyd last year, the plaintiffs were among many in Columbus who participated in protests that swept the country. The plaintiffs alleged in a lawsuit filed last year in US&nbsp;District Court in the Southern District of Ohio that officers with the Columbus Police Division had used excessive force against them and had violated their constitutional rights.

In announcing the settlement agreement, which is subject to City Council approval, the Columbus City Attorney’s Office said that during the protests the police had “made arrests and used force including, but not limited to, pepper spray, tear gas, wooden baton rounds, and sponge rounds.”

Some plaintiffs were “significantly injured” during the protests, Zach Klein, the city attorney, said in the statement, adding that it was “incumbent upon the city to accept responsibility and pay restitution.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/kamala-harris-never-uses-bluetooth-headphones-heres-why-435718">Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris never uses bluetooth headphones. Here's why</a>

“While this has certainly been a difficult and painful moment for our community, it has yielded important, and in some instances long overdue, reforms to policing practices, policies, and oversight,” said Klein, who noted that the money for the settlement would come from the city’s general fund.

“This settlement is a good step forward for both the Division of Police and for the entire community because it sets defined parameters and clear expectations for all when exercising and protecting First Amendment rights in Columbus,” he said.

Klein said that many Columbus police officers performed their jobs “professionally” during the protests, “but this litigation highlighted serious issues that must be addressed.”

Earlier this year, three Columbus police officers were charged with misconduct in connection with the protests, and Klein said that others could face charges.

Also this year, after an evidentiary hearing, Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley of US District Court granted a preliminary injunction that barred the Columbus police from “using nonlethal force, including tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, wooden pellets, and more on nonviolent protesters,” according to a statement from the city.

As part of the settlement, the city would agree to make the injunction permanent.

In a statement, Tamara K. Alsaada, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that “one of the problems we face with policing in America is the deep-seated hostility of law enforcement to anyone who questions or exposes the racism and violent attitudes of many within police departments.”

At least three of the plaintiffs sustained broken bones, according to court documents. Klein said that because each plaintiff had different injuries the settlement amount would not be split evenly, and that a mediator would determine damages and settlement amounts for each plaintiff.

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In a statement, Robert Clark, director of the Columbus Department of Public Safety, said that the settlement was a “step toward” repairing relationships that “have been damaged.”

“We recognize what a painful chapter this has been for everyone involved, including the women and men of the Columbus Division of Police and the community we serve,” Clark said. “Before there can be healing, there must be accountability.”

Chanda Brown, a lawyer for demonstrators, said in a statement that change was needed to “address the reality that many officers target anyone who questions their authority.”

The city of Columbus, Ohio, announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement to pay $5.75 million to 32 plaintiffs who said that they were injured and that their constitutional rights were violated by members of the city’s police division during social justice protests in the summer of 2020.

The city of Columbus, Ohio, announced Thursday that it had reached an agreement to pay $5.75 million to 32 plaintiffs who said that they were injured and that their constitutional rights were violated by members of the city’s police division during social justice protests in the summer of 2020. After the killing of George Floyd last year, the plaintiffs were among many in Columbus who participated in protests that swept the country. The plaintiffs alleged in a lawsuit filed last year in US District Court in the Southern District of Ohio that officers with the Columbus Police Division had used excessive force against them and had violated their constitutional rights. In announcing the settlement agreement, which is subject to City Council approval, the Columbus City Attorney’s Office said that during the protests the police had “made arrests and used force including, but not limited to, pepper spray, tear gas, wooden baton rounds, and sponge rounds.” Some plaintiffs were “significantly injured” during the protests, Zach Klein, the city attorney, said in the statement, adding that it was “incumbent upon the city to accept responsibility and pay restitution.” Also read | Kamala Harris never uses bluetooth headphones. Here's why “While this has certainly been a difficult and painful moment for our community, it has yielded important, and in some instances long overdue, reforms to policing practices, policies, and oversight,” said Klein, who noted that the money for the settlement would come from the city’s general fund. “This settlement is a good step forward for both the Division of Police and for the entire community because it sets defined parameters and clear expectations for all when exercising and protecting First Amendment rights in Columbus,” he said. Klein said that many Columbus police officers performed their jobs “professionally” during the protests, “but this litigation highlighted serious issues that must be addressed.” Earlier this year, three Columbus police officers were charged with misconduct in connection with the protests, and Klein said that others could face charges. Also this year, after an evidentiary hearing, Chief Judge Algenon L. Marbley of US District Court granted a preliminary injunction that barred the Columbus police from “using nonlethal force, including tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets, wooden pellets, and more on nonviolent protesters,” according to a statement from the city. As part of the settlement, the city would agree to make the injunction permanent. In a statement, Tamara K. Alsaada, one of the plaintiffs in the case, said that “one of the problems we face with policing in America is the deep-seated hostility of law enforcement to anyone who questions or exposes the racism and violent attitudes of many within police departments.” At least three of the plaintiffs sustained broken bones, according to court documents. Klein said that because each plaintiff had different injuries the settlement amount would not be split evenly, and that a mediator would determine damages and settlement amounts for each plaintiff. Also read | Father, son duo held over suspicion of starting major wildfire in US state In a statement, Robert Clark, director of the Columbus Department of Public Safety, said that the settlement was a “step toward” repairing relationships that “have been damaged.” “We recognize what a painful chapter this has been for everyone involved, including the women and men of the Columbus Division of Police and the community we serve,” Clark said. “Before there can be healing, there must be accountability.” Chanda Brown, a lawyer for demonstrators, said in a statement that change was needed to “address the reality that many officers target anyone who questions their authority.”

Columbus reaches $5.75 million settlement agreement with protesters

Several people were killed in a shooting Monday outside Columbus, Ohio, according to local news media reports.

The shooting happened in West Jefferson, Ohio, a village of some 4,000 people about 20 miles west of the state’s capital city. Authorities told The Columbus Dispatch that they found the victims’ bodies inside and outside a duplex residence on the 100 block of Jackson Street.

Three bodies were found inside the apartment and there were additional bodies outside the home, television station WSYX reported. The police told the station that they received a 911 call from a passerby around 5:30 p.m.

The station cited information from the village’s police chief, Christopher Floyd, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night. A dispatcher at the West Jefferson Police Department referred questions to the chief.

Officials did not immediately provide details on the total number of victims, their names or information on any possible suspects.

Officers from Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation were helping to process the crime scene at the request of local police, Steve Irwin, a spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office, said in an email Monday night.

Irwin said he could not provide additional details about the shooting because the West Jefferson Police Department was leading the investigation.

Floyd said that the shooting took place on a dead-end street, which led him to believe that the victims had been targeted, WSYX reported.

“We don’t know whether it’s a robbery, a target, we don’t know at this point,” Floyd told the station. “Something brought somebody to a dead-end street.”

Several people were killed in a shooting Monday outside Columbus, Ohio, according to local news media reports. The shooting happened in West Jefferson, Ohio, a village of some 4,000 people about 20 miles west of the state’s capital city.

Several people were killed in a shooting Monday outside Columbus, Ohio, according to local news media reports. The shooting happened in West Jefferson, Ohio, a village of some 4,000 people about 20 miles west of the state’s capital city. Authorities told The Columbus Dispatch that they found the victims’ bodies inside and outside a duplex residence on the 100 block of Jackson Street. Three bodies were found inside the apartment and there were additional bodies outside the home, television station WSYX reported. The police told the station that they received a 911 call from a passerby around 5:30 p.m. The station cited information from the village’s police chief, Christopher Floyd, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment Monday night. A dispatcher at the West Jefferson Police Department referred questions to the chief. Officials did not immediately provide details on the total number of victims, their names or information on any possible suspects. Officers from Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation were helping to process the crime scene at the request of local police, Steve Irwin, a spokesperson for the state attorney general’s office, said in an email Monday night. Irwin said he could not provide additional details about the shooting because the West Jefferson Police Department was leading the investigation. Floyd said that the shooting took place on a dead-end street, which led him to believe that the victims had been targeted, WSYX reported. “We don’t know whether it’s a robbery, a target, we don’t know at this point,” Floyd told the station. “Something brought somebody to a dead-end street.”

Several killed in a shooting outside Columbus, Ohio

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

Authorities said it was taken away for restoration work on Saturday but added that it was also time for reflection about Columbus' legacy, triggering speculation in Mexican media that the statue may not be returned.

The statue of the 15th century Italian navigator, along with four Catholic friars, towered over one of the Mexico City's main traffic circles for decades.

Several statues of the explorer, whose Spanish-funded expeditions opened the door to the European conquest of the Americas, have been removed in US cities in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the resulting global re-examination of colonisation and slavery.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the capital's Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum both suggested the measures were taken in part to avoid the statues being vandalised or removed by protesters.

Mexico does not celebrate October 12 as Columbus Day, and it is not a national holiday. Instead, the day is used to celebrate Mexico's indigenous cultures and mixed race, or mestizo, population, often marked by large protest marches.

Protesters have called for more attention to the genocide and centuries of colonial oppression that followed Columbus' voyages.

Lopez Obrador has insisted that the Spanish monarchy and Catholic Church should formally apologise for the atrocities committed during the 16th century European invasion of Mexico.

Sheinbaum encouraged all to peacefully reflect on the legacy of Columbus, adding that she would not make any unilateral decision on whether the statue would return to its pedestal, according to daily newspaper El Universal.

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492.

The Mexican government has removed a prominent bronze statue of Christopher Columbus and surrounded another with high metal fencing ahead of an annual protest that marks the explorer's arrival in the Americas in 1492. Authorities said it was taken away for restoration work on Saturday but added that it was also time for reflection about Columbus' legacy, triggering speculation in Mexican media that the statue may not be returned. The statue of the 15th century Italian navigator, along with four Catholic friars, towered over one of the Mexico City's main traffic circles for decades. Several statues of the explorer, whose Spanish-funded expeditions opened the door to the European conquest of the Americas, have been removed in US cities in the wake of the Black Lives Matter protests and the resulting global re-examination of colonisation and slavery. Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and the capital's Mayor Claudia Sheinbaum both suggested the measures were taken in part to avoid the statues being vandalised or removed by protesters. Mexico does not celebrate October 12 as Columbus Day, and it is not a national holiday. Instead, the day is used to celebrate Mexico's indigenous cultures and mixed race, or mestizo, population, often marked by large protest marches. Protesters have called for more attention to the genocide and centuries of colonial oppression that followed Columbus' voyages. Lopez Obrador has insisted that the Spanish monarchy and Catholic Church should formally apologise for the atrocities committed during the 16th century European invasion of Mexico. Sheinbaum encouraged all to peacefully reflect on the legacy of Columbus, adding that she would not make any unilateral decision on whether the statue would return to its pedestal, according to daily newspaper El Universal.

Mexico removes Columbus statue ahead of annual protest against his arrival in Americas

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans.

"On Monday we paid tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known&nbsp;as Christopher Columbus," the US president said at the beginning of his press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

"To me, it will always be called Columbus Day," he said. "Some people don't like that -- I do."

Trump was referring to the city of Washington's recent decision to re-name the holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day.

The city councilman behind the name change has said Columbus, who was born in present-day Italy but sailed on behalf of Spain, "colonised, mutilated, and massacred thousands of Indigenous People in the Americas" and "never set foot on the shores of the current United States."

States such as Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii have already re-named the holiday to celebrate indigenous communities who were already living in the Americas when Columbus and his three ships arrived in the Caribbean in 1492.

But the day is also seen as a celebration of the Italian-American community, which counts at least 16 million members, according to the president.

"I think the bonds between Italy and the United States have never been more solid," Trump said Wednesday. "I have so many Italian friends. I can't tell you how many Italian friends."

His Italian counterpart Mattarella offered also offered praise for Columbus, saying the sailor "opened up new horizons, got to know and connected continents which ignored one another."

"Based on the role of the US in the world, it seems to me that he did a good job back then," Mattarella said.

Trump has regularly decried efforts at "political correctness," for example insisting on saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," which some see as more inclusive.

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans.

Donald Trump on Wednesday defended the legacy of 15th-century explorer Christopher Columbus, who is traditionally seen as the first European to arrive in the New World and who is sometimes accused of being responsible for the genocide of indigenous Americans. "On Monday we paid tribute to the Italian explorer who led a voyage of discovery to the New World, a gentleman known as Christopher Columbus," the US president said at the beginning of his press conference with Italian President Sergio Mattarella. "To me, it will always be called Columbus Day," he said. "Some people don't like that -- I do." Trump was referring to the city of Washington's recent decision to re-name the holiday celebrated on the second Monday of October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. The city councilman behind the name change has said Columbus, who was born in present-day Italy but sailed on behalf of Spain, "colonised, mutilated, and massacred thousands of Indigenous People in the Americas" and "never set foot on the shores of the current United States." States such as Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii have already re-named the holiday to celebrate indigenous communities who were already living in the Americas when Columbus and his three ships arrived in the Caribbean in 1492. But the day is also seen as a celebration of the Italian-American community, which counts at least 16 million members, according to the president. "I think the bonds between Italy and the United States have never been more solid," Trump said Wednesday. "I have so many Italian friends. I can't tell you how many Italian friends." His Italian counterpart Mattarella offered also offered praise for Columbus, saying the sailor "opened up new horizons, got to know and connected continents which ignored one another." "Based on the role of the US in the world, it seems to me that he did a good job back then," Mattarella said. Trump has regularly decried efforts at "political correctness," for example insisting on saying "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays," which some see as more inclusive.

Donald Trump prefers 'Columbus Day' over 'Indigenous Peoples' Day'

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