<p>People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The teenager claimed the man told her, "love, you know I was joking" when she turned around in shock. The accused was later identified as&nbsp;66-year-old Antonio Avola who was reported to the police.</p>

<p>"He groped my bottom. Then, he pulled me up - hurting my private parts. For me, this is not a joke. This is not how an old man should 'joke' with a teenager," the student told&nbsp;Corriere della Sera newspaper.</p>

<p>Avola admitted groping the student but maintained&nbsp;it was a joke, according to a BBC report. While the prosecutors asked for a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Avola, the judge acquitted the caretaker of sexual&nbsp;assault charges.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-ban-recording-upskirting-non-consensual-sexual-videos-trending-on-wion-588258"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Japan to ban recording upskirting &amp; non-consensual sexual videos</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-ban-recording-upskirting-non-consensual-sexual-videos-trending-on-wion-588258/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>According to Italian media reports, the judge determined that the groping did not amount to a crime "because it lasted less than 10 seconds".</p>

<p>"The judge&nbsp;ruled that he was joking? Well, it was no joke to me," the teenager said after the judgement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That handful of seconds was more than enough for the caretaker to make me feel his hands on me," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The girl says she feels doubly betrayed - by her school and the justice system after the ruling.</p>

<p>"I'm starting to think I was wrong to trust the institutions. This is not justice."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-landlord-arrested-for-secretly-installing-camera-in-women-tenants-room-614779"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India: Landlord arrested for secretly installing camera in women tenants' room</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Social media galvanises&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ruling has incensed the public with many taking to social media platforms to protest. <em>Palpata breve</em> - a brief groping has become a top trend&nbsp;on Instagram and TikTok with the hashtag&nbsp;&nbsp;#10secondi, where users are posting videos to highlight how long 10 seconds feel when groped.</p>

<p>In the videos, the influencers and activists can be seen holding their private parts. with a dead expression for 10 seconds. The uncomfortable videos showcase how vulnerable the victims of sexual assault feel during those brief seconds.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujaOYTIbK3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujaOYTIbK3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujaOYTIbK3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CujaOYTIbK3/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Camilla Pagliarosi (@heycamilli)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Who decides that 10 seconds is not a long time? Who times the seconds, while you're being harassed?" said one of the netizens, while another added,&nbsp;"Men don't have the right to touch women's bodies, not even for a second - let alone 5 or 10".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear.

People in Italy are expressing outrage after a judge ruled a caretaker's grope of a teenager "did not last long enough" to be deemed criminal. The 17-year-old girl at a Rome high school was reportedly walking up a staircase with a friend when she felt a 'foreign hand' touch her underwear. The teenager claimed the man told her, "love, you know I was joking" when she turned around in shock. The accused was later identified as 66-year-old Antonio Avola who was reported to the police. "He groped my bottom. Then, he pulled me up - hurting my private parts. For me, this is not a joke. This is not how an old man should 'joke' with a teenager," the student told Corriere della Sera newspaper. Avola admitted groping the student but maintained it was a joke, according to a BBC report. While the prosecutors asked for a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence for Avola, the judge acquitted the caretaker of sexual assault charges. WATCH | Japan to ban recording upskirting & non-consensual sexual videos × According to Italian media reports, the judge determined that the groping did not amount to a crime "because it lasted less than 10 seconds". "The judge ruled that he was joking? Well, it was no joke to me," the teenager said after the judgement. "That handful of seconds was more than enough for the caretaker to make me feel his hands on me," she added. The girl says she feels doubly betrayed - by her school and the justice system after the ruling. "I'm starting to think I was wrong to trust the institutions. This is not justice." Also read | India: Landlord arrested for secretly installing camera in women tenants' room Social media galvanises The ruling has incensed the public with many taking to social media platforms to protest. Palpata breve - a brief groping has become a top trend on Instagram and TikTok with the hashtag #10secondi, where users are posting videos to highlight how long 10 seconds feel when groped. In the videos, the influencers and activists can be seen holding their private parts. with a dead expression for 10 seconds. The uncomfortable videos showcase how vulnerable the victims of sexual assault feel during those brief seconds. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Camilla Pagliarosi (@heycamilli) × "Who decides that 10 seconds is not a long time? Who times the seconds, while you're being harassed?" said one of the netizens, while another added, "Men don't have the right to touch women's bodies, not even for a second - let alone 5 or 10". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'Who decides that?': Italians in uproar over judge's '10-second' groping rule

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidOlzfICKYVL2L" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A 17-year-old Canadian has been brought for questioning by Japanese authorities after it was discovered he carved his name into an eighth-century UNESCO-listed temple in the historic city of Nara.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident took place in the 1,200-year-old Toshodaiji Kondo temple complex on the afternoon of July 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>''On the southwest side of Toshodaiji Kondo, there are wooden pillars supporting the roof. On the pillars to the side, the boy carved ‘Julian' on a wooden pillar about 170 centimetres above the ground with his nail,'' a police official was quoted as saying by CNN.</p>

<p>The teenager defaced the pillar, situated in the temple's "Golden Hall" which is a designated national treasure. His parents were with him when he vandalised the ancient property, writing the word "Julian" by scratching the pillar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A tourist saw the teen defacing the pillar and told him to stop before notifying the temple employees. A monk at the temple said, "even though it [vandalism] may have been done without malice, it is still regrettable and sad".</p>

<p>Under Japanese law, any person found damaging an object of "important cultural property" could face up to five years in prison or a fine of $2,120 (¥300,000; £1,650).</p>

<p>The temple is one of the eight sites that make up the historic monuments of ancient Nara which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the excavated remains of the great Imperial Palace provide a vivid picture of life in the Japanese capital in the 8th century, a period of profound political and cultural change,” reads the UNESCO inscription.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-activists-turn-romes-iconic-trevi-fountain-black-594984"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/climate-activists-turn-romes-iconic-trevi-fountain-black-594984/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Man defaces Colosseum</strong></h2>

<p>This is not the first instance where a tourist has been found defacing a centuries-old, historical monument. Last month, a tourist from Britain&nbsp;carved his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome.</p>

<p>After becoming a subject of ridicule&nbsp;internationally, 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov, the culprit, said he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tourist-claims-to-not-realise-colosseum-is-2000-year-old-after-carving-names-on-its-walls-612603" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says he didn't realise it was 2,000-years-old</strong></a></p>

<p>In a letter addressed to the Italian authorities, Dimitrov said only now did he realise “the seriousness of the deed committed”.</p>

<p>“Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the&nbsp;letter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If convicted, he faces a fine of at least $16,500 (€15,000;&nbsp;£12,900) and a prison term of up to five years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A 17-year-old Canadian has been brought for questioning by Japanese authorities after it was discovered he carved his name into an eighth-century UNESCO-listed temple in the historic city of Nara.

A 17-year-old Canadian has been brought for questioning by Japanese authorities after it was discovered he carved his name into an eighth-century UNESCO-listed temple in the historic city of Nara. The incident took place in the 1,200-year-old Toshodaiji Kondo temple complex on the afternoon of July 7. ''On the southwest side of Toshodaiji Kondo, there are wooden pillars supporting the roof. On the pillars to the side, the boy carved ‘Julian' on a wooden pillar about 170 centimetres above the ground with his nail,'' a police official was quoted as saying by CNN. The teenager defaced the pillar, situated in the temple's "Golden Hall" which is a designated national treasure. His parents were with him when he vandalised the ancient property, writing the word "Julian" by scratching the pillar. A tourist saw the teen defacing the pillar and told him to stop before notifying the temple employees. A monk at the temple said, "even though it [vandalism] may have been done without malice, it is still regrettable and sad". Under Japanese law, any person found damaging an object of "important cultural property" could face up to five years in prison or a fine of $2,120 (¥300,000; £1,650). The temple is one of the eight sites that make up the historic monuments of ancient Nara which was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. “Buddhist temples, Shinto shrines and the excavated remains of the great Imperial Palace provide a vivid picture of life in the Japanese capital in the 8th century, a period of profound political and cultural change,” reads the UNESCO inscription. WATCH | Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black × Man defaces Colosseum This is not the first instance where a tourist has been found defacing a centuries-old, historical monument. Last month, a tourist from Britain carved his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum in Rome. After becoming a subject of ridicule internationally, 27-year-old Ivan Dimitrov, the culprit, said he was unaware of the antiquity of the ancient monument. Also read | Tourist who carved names on Colosseum says he didn't realise it was 2,000-years-old In a letter addressed to the Italian authorities, Dimitrov said only now did he realise “the seriousness of the deed committed”. “Through these lines I would like to address my heartfelt and honest apologies to the Italians and to the whole world for the damage caused to an asset which, in fact, is the heritage of all humanity,” he stated in the letter. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least $16,500 (€15,000; £12,900) and a prison term of up to five years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Teenager defaces 8th-century UNESCO-listed temple in Japan, brought in for questioning

Italy is crippled under the effects of a severe heatwave. On Sunday, temperatures reached as high as 36 degrees celsius in Rome. According to the Italian ministry of health, the weather in the capital and in eight other cities along the peninsula has reached an orange alert level, which is the third stage on a scale of four.

Italy suffers excruciating heatwave amidst tourist influx

<p>An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era&nbsp;has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome.&nbsp;Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“#Roma continues to return precious evidence of its past: a splendid intact marble head was found during the works in Piazza Augusto Imperatore attended by the @Sovrintendenza," tweeted&nbsp;Gualtieri while posting a picture of the mud-covered head.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Roma?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Roma</a> continua a restituire preziose testimonianze del suo passato: una splendida testa in marmo integra è stata ritrovata durante i lavori a Piazza Augusto Imperatore curati dalla <a href="https://twitter.com/Sovrintendenza?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sovrintendenza</a>. Archeologi e restauratori sono impegnati nella pulitura e nello studio del reperto <a href="https://t.co/9EAYIj4pRb">pic.twitter.com/9EAYIj4pRb</a></p>
— Roberto Gualtieri (@gualtierieurope) <a href="https://twitter.com/gualtierieurope/status/1676926327398580230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Marble head, part of a female divinity: Experts</strong></h2>

<p>According to experts, the marble piece is believed to be part of a statue of a female divinity, perhaps Aphrodite due to its&nbsp;natural dimensions. The head is carved in Greek marble and displays elegant workmanship. The hair on the marble head is seemingly gathered at the back thanks to a "taenia", a ribbon knotted on the top of the head.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Sovrintendenza Capitolina (Capitoline Superintendence), responsible for managing, maintaining and enhancing the capital's&nbsp;historic and archaeological heritage, the marble head was&nbsp;discovered during the redevelopment work of the "Mausoleum of Augustus and Piazza Augusto Imperatore" on the eastern side.</p>

<p>The Mausoleum of Augustus is a tomb built by&nbsp;Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC following his victory at the Battle of Actium. The structure is circular in plan and measures 90 metres in diameter by 42 metres in height, originally capped by a conical roof with a huge bronze statue of Augustus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The find was found in the foundation of a late antique wall but is preserved intact; reused as building material it lay face down, protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests," read a statement released.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/miniature-pompeii-ancient-roman-building-found-in-abandoned-cinema-hall-in-italy-391660"><strong>Also read | 'Miniature Pompeii': Ancient Roman building found in abandoned cinema hall in Italy</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Reusing sculptures - an old tradition&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The workers found the head lying face down and protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests.</p>

<p>Notably, reusing the sculptures, even of significant value was a common practice in the late Middle Ages which allowed, as in this case, "the successful preservation of important works of art".</p>

<p>"The head is currently entrusted to restorers for cleaning, and to archaeologists for correct identification and an initial dating proposal, which appears to be anchored in the Augustan era,” concluded the Superintendent.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored.

An elegant white marble head, purportedly from the Augustan era has been discovered in the Italian capital of Rome. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri took to social media to inform about the ancient relic which is now being restored. “#Roma continues to return precious evidence of its past: a splendid intact marble head was found during the works in Piazza Augusto Imperatore attended by the @Sovrintendenza," tweeted Gualtieri while posting a picture of the mud-covered head. #Roma continua a restituire preziose testimonianze del suo passato: una splendida testa in marmo integra è stata ritrovata durante i lavori a Piazza Augusto Imperatore curati dalla @Sovrintendenza. Archeologi e restauratori sono impegnati nella pulitura e nello studio del reperto pic.twitter.com/9EAYIj4pRb — Roberto Gualtieri (@gualtierieurope) July 6, 2023 × Marble head, part of a female divinity: Experts According to experts, the marble piece is believed to be part of a statue of a female divinity, perhaps Aphrodite due to its natural dimensions. The head is carved in Greek marble and displays elegant workmanship. The hair on the marble head is seemingly gathered at the back thanks to a "taenia", a ribbon knotted on the top of the head. According to the Sovrintendenza Capitolina (Capitoline Superintendence), responsible for managing, maintaining and enhancing the capital's historic and archaeological heritage, the marble head was discovered during the redevelopment work of the "Mausoleum of Augustus and Piazza Augusto Imperatore" on the eastern side. The Mausoleum of Augustus is a tomb built by Roman Emperor Augustus in 28 BC following his victory at the Battle of Actium. The structure is circular in plan and measures 90 metres in diameter by 42 metres in height, originally capped by a conical roof with a huge bronze statue of Augustus. "The find was found in the foundation of a late antique wall but is preserved intact; reused as building material it lay face down, protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests," read a statement released. Also read | 'Miniature Pompeii': Ancient Roman building found in abandoned cinema hall in Italy Reusing sculptures - an old tradition The workers found the head lying face down and protected by a clay bank on which the foundation of the wall rests. Notably, reusing the sculptures, even of significant value was a common practice in the late Middle Ages which allowed, as in this case, "the successful preservation of important works of art". "The head is currently entrusted to restorers for cleaning, and to archaeologists for correct identification and an initial dating proposal, which appears to be anchored in the Augustan era,” concluded the Superintendent. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Ancient white marble head, possibly of Aphrodite, unearthed in Italy's Rome

There is a saying that if one does not adapt to changing times, one is usually left behind but traditional things passed on from generations are things that one does not wish to change anytime. Watch the video to know.

Famous 'Bakery of Popes', first opened in 1930, shuts its doors | World News | WION

<p>One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting&nbsp;Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.45) as an entrance fee.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new charge "won't stop many people coming to visit", French visitor Camille Piallat predicted, as he queued to buy his ticket in the sunshine.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-has-israel-launched-massive-military-operation-in-west-bank-611758">Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank?</a></p>

<p>Pantheon, the vast cylindrical temple whose undamaged exterior wall supports a 43.3 metre-high (142 ft) dome, attracts millions of tourists every year, making it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why is Italy now charging visitors?</strong></h2>

<p>The introduction of the 5 euro entry fee is part of a national initiative to generate more revenues from the country’s cultural assets. The Tourism Ministry has set a goal of allocating 70 per cent of the revenue for covering maintenance and cleaning, while the rest is anticipated to be distributed to the Diocese of Rome. Worshippers during religious services are exempted from paying an entry fee.</p>

<p>Watch |&nbsp;<strong>WION Climate Tracker | Wildfire rages in Northern Rome in Italy</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-wildfire-rages-in-northern-rome-in-italy-495125/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Pantheon's current form and six-metre-thick walls date from the early part of the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who came to power in AD&nbsp;117. It remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and has a circular skylight at its crown.</p>

<p>The building survived the Barbarian attacks on Rome and was transformed into a Christian church in 609.</p>

<p>"If it's going to stay for another 2000 (years), they need some money," German tourist Karsten Kohler said on Friday, queuing up for one of the last free tickets on offer.</p>

<h2><strong>Pantheon: Must-visit attraction in Rome</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Any tourist, who visits Rome, plans for Pantheon, as it is a must-see attraction in the city. It was a free-of-charge tourist spot before the Tourism Ministry of Italy introduced the entry fee, while other monuments and attractions all charge for entry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to RomeSite, one attraction that people should not skip is the Colosseum, the large amphitheatre that used to have a capacity of 65,000 spectators in Roman times. However, the price for visiting the site can be very high, varying between €35 ($38.15) and €97 ($105.74) for audio guides in multiple languages.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/last-frenchman-who-fought-in-d-day-normandy-landings-dies-at-100-611766">Last Frenchman who fought during D-Day Normandy landings dies at 100</a></p>

<p>All tourist attractions, except Pantheon, charge a heavy entry fee. St. Peter’s Basilica, also an important attraction in Rome, has an entry fee varying between 39 euro ($42.51) and 49 euro ($53.41).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Caring for art and architecture has long posed a challenge for a country that is responsible for more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other and has long-standing problems of bureaucracy and low public funding.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.

One of the world’s most ancient and best-preserved sites, the Pantheon in Rome, will now charge its visitors an entrance fee, starting Monday. Italy’s tourism ministry has announced that all the people visiting the ancient monument have to pay 5 euro ($5.45) as an entrance fee. The new charge "won't stop many people coming to visit", French visitor Camille Piallat predicted, as he queued to buy his ticket in the sunshine. Also Read | Explained: Why has Israel launched massive military operation in West Bank? Pantheon, the vast cylindrical temple whose undamaged exterior wall supports a 43.3 metre-high (142 ft) dome, attracts millions of tourists every year, making it one of Italy’s top tourist destinations. Why is Italy now charging visitors? The introduction of the 5 euro entry fee is part of a national initiative to generate more revenues from the country’s cultural assets. The Tourism Ministry has set a goal of allocating 70 per cent of the revenue for covering maintenance and cleaning, while the rest is anticipated to be distributed to the Diocese of Rome. Worshippers during religious services are exempted from paying an entry fee. Watch | WION Climate Tracker | Wildfire rages in Northern Rome in Italy × The Pantheon's current form and six-metre-thick walls date from the early part of the reign of Emperor Hadrian, who came to power in AD 117. It remains the world's largest unreinforced concrete dome and has a circular skylight at its crown. The building survived the Barbarian attacks on Rome and was transformed into a Christian church in 609. "If it's going to stay for another 2000 (years), they need some money," German tourist Karsten Kohler said on Friday, queuing up for one of the last free tickets on offer. Pantheon: Must-visit attraction in Rome Any tourist, who visits Rome, plans for Pantheon, as it is a must-see attraction in the city. It was a free-of-charge tourist spot before the Tourism Ministry of Italy introduced the entry fee, while other monuments and attractions all charge for entry. According to RomeSite, one attraction that people should not skip is the Colosseum, the large amphitheatre that used to have a capacity of 65,000 spectators in Roman times. However, the price for visiting the site can be very high, varying between €35 ($38.15) and €97 ($105.74) for audio guides in multiple languages. Also Read | Last Frenchman who fought during D-Day Normandy landings dies at 100 All tourist attractions, except Pantheon, charge a heavy entry fee. St. Peter’s Basilica, also an important attraction in Rome, has an entry fee varying between 39 euro ($42.51) and 49 euro ($53.41). Caring for art and architecture has long posed a challenge for a country that is responsible for more UNESCO world heritage sites than any other and has long-standing problems of bureaucracy and low public funding. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italy: Pantheon to start charging entry fee from Monday, says tourism ministry

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidPipdArwUt6xe" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Italian authorities have identified&nbsp;a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last&nbsp;week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the police have not named the suspect, the inscription by the suspect read “Ivan + Hayley 23”, which provides a solid clue as to what the name could be. Italian media reports claimed that Ivan lives in Bristol and the police will be sending a note to his address, informing him that he is under investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The police spent the last four days sifting through photos and surveillance footage at the Colosseum - one of the seven wonders of the world. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least €15,000 (£12,900) and a prison term of up to five years.</p>

<p>Commenting on the identification of the culprit, Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, thanked the police.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history. Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.”</p>

<p>Earlier,&nbsp;Sangiuliano had called defacing the Colosseum, a 'sign of great incivility'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/ivanhaley-23-outrage-after-tourist-captured-carving-name-of-girlfriend-into-romes-colosseum-609017" target="_blank"><strong>Also read | Ivan+Haley 23: Outrage after tourist captured carving name of girlfriend into Rome’s Colosseum</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Video goes viral</strong></h2>

<p>The video titled "A**hole tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome" went viral on social media platforms and showed Ivan using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre.</p>

<p>“Are you serious, man? That is f**ked up, man. Stupid a**hole,” one person was heard questioning Ivan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nato-chief-stoltenberg-to-stay-uk-defence-minister-danish-pm-quit-race-russia-ukraine-war-610345"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;NATO Chief Stoltenberg to stay, UK Defence Minister &amp; Danish PM quit race | Russia-Ukraine war</strong></a></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-death-of-possession-football-542811/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The netizens were furious at the man for desecrating the monument.&nbsp;When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest.</p>

<p>“They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. Meanwhile, another called out the girl who did not object to Ivan writing her name.</p>

<p>“The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. <a href="https://t.co/p8Jss1GWuY">pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY</a></p>
— Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/g_sangiuliano/status/1673318742057525248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Notably, this is not the first time when the Colosseum has been defaced by tourists. In 2020, a 32-year-old man from Ireland was caught using a metal point to carve his initials into a pillar of the monument. A month later, a teenager was caught doing the same.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Italian authorities have identified a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument.

The Italian authorities have identified a man from England as the possible suspect behind vandalism in the ancient Colosseum. Last week, a man wearing a blue flowery shirt was filmed by a fellow tourist carving his and his girlfriend's name into an internal wall of the 2,000-year-old monument. Although the police have not named the suspect, the inscription by the suspect read “Ivan + Hayley 23”, which provides a solid clue as to what the name could be. Italian media reports claimed that Ivan lives in Bristol and the police will be sending a note to his address, informing him that he is under investigation. The police spent the last four days sifting through photos and surveillance footage at the Colosseum - one of the seven wonders of the world. If convicted, he faces a fine of at least €15,000 (£12,900) and a prison term of up to five years. Commenting on the identification of the culprit, Italian culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, thanked the police. “It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history. Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.” Earlier, Sangiuliano had called defacing the Colosseum, a 'sign of great incivility'. “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée." Also read | Ivan+Haley 23: Outrage after tourist captured carving name of girlfriend into Rome’s Colosseum Video goes viral The video titled "A**hole tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome" went viral on social media platforms and showed Ivan using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre. “Are you serious, man? That is f**ked up, man. Stupid a**hole,” one person was heard questioning Ivan. WATCH | NATO Chief Stoltenberg to stay, UK Defence Minister & Danish PM quit race | Russia-Ukraine war × The netizens were furious at the man for desecrating the monument. When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest. “They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. Meanwhile, another called out the girl who did not object to Ivan writing her name. “The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster. Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY — Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) June 26, 2023 × Notably, this is not the first time when the Colosseum has been defaced by tourists. In 2020, a 32-year-old man from Ireland was caught using a metal point to carve his initials into a pillar of the monument. A month later, a teenager was caught doing the same. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

It's a Brit: Colosseum vandaliser identified by Italian police, could face 5 years in jail

In pics | Archaeologists find 2,000-year-old painting of 'pizza' in ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii

<p lang="en-US">Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano is looking out for a man to be “identified and sanctioned” after he was allegedly filmed carving the names of him and his fiancee into the Colosseum in Rome.<br />
<br />
Taking to Twitter on Monday, Minister Sangiuliano said, “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.”<br />
<br />
“I hope that whoever carried out this act will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws,” he added.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/meet-the-woman-who-arrived-at-the-airport-with-all-clothes-stuffed-in-a-bra-609007">Meet the woman who arrived at the airport with all clothes stuffed in a bra</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">In the tweet, the minister included a blurred image of the young man as well as a video in which he appeared to be using keys for carving letters into one of the walls of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum. The inscription made by the young tourist read “Ivan+Haley 23,” as per the Italian news agency ANSA.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Video of the tourists circulate on social media</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The incident allegedly took place on Friday, and police were alerted about it after the videos started circulating on social media, reported ANSA. The video was uploaded to YouTube and received more than 16,000 views. The tourist, who was wearing a periwinkle shirt and shorts, was seen using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre.<br />
<br />
One person was heard questioning, “Are you serious, man?”. “That is f – – ked up, man. Stupid a – – hole,” the videographer was heard saying as the man walked away into a group of tourists. When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest.<br />
<br />
“They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. The man, if convicted of a crime, can face up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of at least €15,000 ($16,360), said the news agency said.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it">Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. <a href="https://t.co/p8Jss1GWuY">pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY</a></p>
— Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/g_sangiuliano/status/1673318742057525248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 26, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Colosseum staffers remain 'unbothered'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Responding to the users, the videographer said that he shared the video with the Colosseum staffers, but they “didn’t seem too bothered.”<br />
<br />
“People like this should have their passports revoked,” said a second user. “Tell me you are trash without telling me you are trash,” said a third person. However, some users slammed his passive girlfriend, saying she should have stopped her beau from carving names.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Gravitas: Ladakh opens forbidden zones for tourists</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-ladakh-opens-forbidden-zones-for-tourists-596956/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">“The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster.<br />
<br />
“She could be scared to speak up. I’m sure the dude is an ass,” stated a second commenter.<br />
<br />
“If someone tried to impress me by doing this I’d just think they were a huge piece of s – – t and wouldn’t want to date them. Unfortunately, she’s likely also a huge piece of s – – t,” commented a third person.</p>

<main>
<section>
<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</section>
</main>


Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano is looking out for a man to be “identified and sanctioned” after he was allegedly filmed carving the names of him and his fiancee into the Colosseum in Rome.

Italy’s Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano is looking out for a man to be “identified and sanctioned” after he was allegedly filmed carving the names of him and his fiancee into the Colosseum in Rome. Taking to Twitter on Monday, Minister Sangiuliano said, “I consider it very serious, unworthy and a sign of great incivility that a tourist defaces one of the most famous places in the world, a historical heritage (site) such as the Colosseum, to carve the name of his fiancée.” “I hope that whoever carried out this act will be identified and sanctioned according to our laws,” he added. ALSO READ | Meet the woman who arrived at the airport with all clothes stuffed in a bra In the tweet, the minister included a blurred image of the young man as well as a video in which he appeared to be using keys for carving letters into one of the walls of the 2,000-year-old Colosseum. The inscription made by the young tourist read “Ivan+Haley 23,” as per the Italian news agency ANSA. Video of the tourists circulate on social media The incident allegedly took place on Friday, and police were alerted about it after the videos started circulating on social media, reported ANSA. The video was uploaded to YouTube and received more than 16,000 views. The tourist, who was wearing a periwinkle shirt and shorts, was seen using keys to etch names into the historical amphitheatre. One person was heard questioning, “Are you serious, man?”. “That is f – – ked up, man. Stupid a – – hole,” the videographer was heard saying as the man walked away into a group of tourists. When the video was shared on Reddit, several users started appealing for the man’s arrest. “They got his face, so hopefully he’s arrested and charged,” one user stated. The man, if convicted of a crime, can face up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of at least €15,000 ($16,360), said the news agency said. Reputo gravissimo, indegno e segno di grande inciviltà, che un turista sfregi uno dei luoghi più celebri al mondo, il Colosseo, per incidere il nome della sua fidanzata. Spero che chi ha compiuto questo gesto venga individuato e sanzionato secondo le nostre leggi. pic.twitter.com/p8Jss1GWuY — Gennaro Sangiuliano (@g_sangiuliano) June 26, 2023 × Colosseum staffers remain 'unbothered' Responding to the users, the videographer said that he shared the video with the Colosseum staffers, but they “didn’t seem too bothered.” “People like this should have their passports revoked,” said a second user. “Tell me you are trash without telling me you are trash,” said a third person. However, some users slammed his passive girlfriend, saying she should have stopped her beau from carving names. WATCH | Gravitas: Ladakh opens forbidden zones for tourists “The fact she stood there the whole time and went along with it means she’s just as much of the problem as he is. F – – k ‘em both,” wrote the original poster. “She could be scared to speak up. I’m sure the dude is an ass,” stated a second commenter. “If someone tried to impress me by doing this I’d just think they were a huge piece of s – – t and wouldn’t want to date them. Unfortunately, she’s likely also a huge piece of s – – t,” commented a third person. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ivan+Haley 23: Outrage after tourist captured carving name of girlfriend into Rome’s Colosseum

We're talking about Andrew Tate, a polarising internet personality and influencer, who was indicted in Romania six months after being hired. The infamous influencer is accused of many counts of rape and human trafficking. Prosecutors in Romania have brought Andrew Tate, Tristan Tate, and two Romanian women to trial.

Tate brothers and two Romanian women put on house arrest

Authorities in Rome are unveiling a new promenade not far from the location where it is thought Julius Caesar passed away in history. According to reports dramatised by William Shakespeare, the dictator was stabbed to death by a Roman senator; this occurrence occurred on the 15th of March in 44 BC. Fans may now roam about the old site and observe the structures up close.

Rome to open walkway where Julius Ceasar died

In pics | Italy opens ancient Roman square, ruins of building where Julius Caesar was killed

<p>Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on Friday morning, nine days after surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, and his doctor said he was stronger than before.</p>

<p>The 86-year-old pontiff left Rome's Gemelli hospital in a wheelchair, smiling and waving to reporters and well-wishers at the main entrance as he was taken to a waiting car.</p>

<p>"The pope is well. He is in better shape than before," Sergio Alfieri, who operated on Francis on June 7, told reporters.</p>

<p>The Vatican said he would recite his noon prayer on Sunday in St. Peter's Square and resume private audiences next week but would skip the Wednesday general audience in the square "to safeguard his post-operative recovery".</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-starts-working-again-from-hospital-after-surgery-602734">Pope Francis starts working from hospital after abdomen surgery</a></strong></p>

<p>Francis is due to receive Cuban President Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel on Tuesday, diplomatic sources have told Reuters.</p>

<p>As he was being taken to the car, Francis was asked about the latest migrant tragedy off the coast of Greece, where at least 79 people drowned early on Wednesday and hundreds more were missing and feared dead.</p>

<p>"So much pain, so much," Italian media quoted him as saying.</p>

<p>Before returning to the Vatican, Francis stopped to pray at an icon of the Madonna at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his custums when he returns from a trip or a hospital stay.</p>

<p>When he reached a Vatican gate, he briefly got out of his car, and, standing for a minute, individually thanked members of the Italian police escort.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UK: Coronation gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III | English Latest News | WION</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-coronation-gift-from-pope-francis-to-king-charles-iii-english-latest-news-wion-584121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Alfieri said the pope was well enough to travel. Francis travels to Portugal at the start of August and Mongolia at the end of that month.</p>

<p>"He will be able (to carry out his duties) better than before because he no longer will have the discomfort. He will be a stronger pope," Alfieri said.</p>

<p>"He already has resumed working. We asked him to rest a bit and I am certain that this time he will listen to us a bit more because he has some important commitments, which he told us he would respect."</p>

<p>"The pope told us 'Thank you, pray for me, I am still alive'," Alfieri said.</p>

<p>The pope traditionally takes all of July off, with the Sunday blessings his only public appearances, so he will have next month to rest before his trips.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on Friday morning, nine days after surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, and his doctor said he was stronger than before.

Pope Francis was discharged from hospital on Friday morning, nine days after surgery to repair an abdominal hernia, and his doctor said he was stronger than before. The 86-year-old pontiff left Rome's Gemelli hospital in a wheelchair, smiling and waving to reporters and well-wishers at the main entrance as he was taken to a waiting car. "The pope is well. He is in better shape than before," Sergio Alfieri, who operated on Francis on June 7, told reporters. The Vatican said he would recite his noon prayer on Sunday in St. Peter's Square and resume private audiences next week but would skip the Wednesday general audience in the square "to safeguard his post-operative recovery". ALSO READ | Pope Francis starts working from hospital after abdomen surgery Francis is due to receive Cuban President Miguel Mario Díaz-Canel on Tuesday, diplomatic sources have told Reuters. As he was being taken to the car, Francis was asked about the latest migrant tragedy off the coast of Greece, where at least 79 people drowned early on Wednesday and hundreds more were missing and feared dead. "So much pain, so much," Italian media quoted him as saying. Before returning to the Vatican, Francis stopped to pray at an icon of the Madonna at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, one of his custums when he returns from a trip or a hospital stay. When he reached a Vatican gate, he briefly got out of his car, and, standing for a minute, individually thanked members of the Italian police escort. WATCH | UK: Coronation gift from Pope Francis to King Charles III | English Latest News | WION × Alfieri said the pope was well enough to travel. Francis travels to Portugal at the start of August and Mongolia at the end of that month. "He will be able (to carry out his duties) better than before because he no longer will have the discomfort. He will be a stronger pope," Alfieri said. "He already has resumed working. We asked him to rest a bit and I am certain that this time he will listen to us a bit more because he has some important commitments, which he told us he would respect." "The pope told us 'Thank you, pray for me, I am still alive'," Alfieri said. The pope traditionally takes all of July off, with the Sunday blessings his only public appearances, so he will have next month to rest before his trips. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Pope Francis discharged from Rome's Gemelli hospital

In a sigh of relief for over a billion people across the world as Pope Francis has been discharged from a hospital in Rome just nine days after he underwent successful surgery to repair an abdominal hernia. The 86-year-old left Rome's Hospital in a wheelchair and he was seen smiling and waving to the crowds while being escorted to the Vatican car.

Pope Francis leaves hospital 9 days after surgery

<p>The Vatican released a statement on Friday saying that Pope Francis has started his work after spending another peaceful&nbsp;night in the hospital following his hernia operation.</p>

<p>The head of the Catholic Church had breakfast Friday before spending "most of the morning in an armchair" rather than in bed, the Vatican said.</p>

<p>"This allowed him to read the newspapers and start working again," it said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>Pope Francis woke up cheerful after surgery</strong></h2>

<p>Pope's surgeon at Rome's Gemelli Hospital said that he woke up cheerful after the abdominal operation.</p>

<p>"The Holy Father reacted well both to the surgery and the anaesthesia. He is already awake... he has already cracked a joke," surgeon Sergio Alfieri told reporters.</p>

<p>The Vatican said that the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalised for several days.</p>

<h2><strong>Surgery ahead of tightly-scheduled August</strong></h2>

<p>The Pope is expected to embark on several long trips in the month of August, raising concerns about whether his recent medical complications would allow him to do so. He is expected to visit Portugal in the first week of August. Later on, he will visit Mongolia at the end of the month. He&nbsp;is also scheduled to visit the French city of Marseille in September.</p>

<p>Pope Francis, the 86-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life.</p>

<p>From a lung operation in his youth to ongoing issues with his knees, the pontiff has been dealing with health issues from a young age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the age of 21, Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, faced a life-threatening situation when he developed pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lung. Surgeons had to remove three pulmonary cysts and a small portion of his upper right lung, leading to a lengthy and painful recovery.</p>

<p>The Pope has also dealt with sciatica, a chronic nerve condition causing back, hip, and leg pain. This condition has occasionally forced him to cancel official events. The pope explained that his distinctive limp, which he compared to "walking like a broody chicken", is actually due to a flat foot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, the 86-year-old sought acupuncture treatment from a Chinese practitioner to alleviate his back pain. Additionally, he faced health issues, such as a gallbladder infection in the late 1970s or early 1980s, a heart condition in 2004, and problems with a fatty liver, which he managed by making dietary changes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Vatican released a statement on Friday saying that Pope Francis has started his work after spending another peaceful night in the hospital following his hernia operation.

The Vatican released a statement on Friday saying that Pope Francis has started his work after spending another peaceful night in the hospital following his hernia operation. The head of the Catholic Church had breakfast Friday before spending "most of the morning in an armchair" rather than in bed, the Vatican said. "This allowed him to read the newspapers and start working again," it said in a statement. Pope Francis woke up cheerful after surgery Pope's surgeon at Rome's Gemelli Hospital said that he woke up cheerful after the abdominal operation. "The Holy Father reacted well both to the surgery and the anaesthesia. He is already awake... he has already cracked a joke," surgeon Sergio Alfieri told reporters. The Vatican said that the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalised for several days. Surgery ahead of tightly-scheduled August The Pope is expected to embark on several long trips in the month of August, raising concerns about whether his recent medical complications would allow him to do so. He is expected to visit Portugal in the first week of August. Later on, he will visit Mongolia at the end of the month. He is also scheduled to visit the French city of Marseille in September. Pope Francis, the 86-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. From a lung operation in his youth to ongoing issues with his knees, the pontiff has been dealing with health issues from a young age. At the age of 21, Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, faced a life-threatening situation when he developed pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lung. Surgeons had to remove three pulmonary cysts and a small portion of his upper right lung, leading to a lengthy and painful recovery. The Pope has also dealt with sciatica, a chronic nerve condition causing back, hip, and leg pain. This condition has occasionally forced him to cancel official events. The pope explained that his distinctive limp, which he compared to "walking like a broody chicken", is actually due to a flat foot. In the past, the 86-year-old sought acupuncture treatment from a Chinese practitioner to alleviate his back pain. Additionally, he faced health issues, such as a gallbladder infection in the late 1970s or early 1980s, a heart condition in 2004, and problems with a fatty liver, which he managed by making dietary changes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pope Francis starts working from hospital after abdomen surgery

<p>The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday saying that Pope Francis' abdominal hernia surgery was completed without any complications.</p>

<p>The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome earlier in the day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The operation is over, it went without complications and lasted three hours," the Vatican press office said in a short statement on Telegram.</p>

<p>All papal audiences have been called off until June 18.</p>

<p>Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni released a statement saying that the pope was suffering from a hernia that was "causing recurrent, painful and worsening" symptoms.</p>

<p>As per reports, the hernia was most likely caused by scars from a colon operation the Argentine pontiff underwent in the year 2021.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-the-many-health-troubles-of-pope-francis-as-he-goes-for-intestinal-surgery-601750">Explained: The many health troubles faced by Pope Francis as he goes for intestinal surgery</a></p>

<h2><strong>Pope Francis awake, cracking jokes after surgery</strong></h2>

<p>Pope's surgeon at Rome's Gemelli hospital said that he is awake and cracking jokes after the abdominal operation.</p>

<p>"The Holy Father reacted well both to the surgery and the anaesthesia. He is already awake... he has already cracked a joke," surgeon Sergio Alfieri told reporters.</p>

<p>The Vatican said that the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalised for several days.</p>

<h2><strong>Surgery ahead of tightly-scheduled August</strong></h2>

<p>The Pope is expected to embark on several long trips in the month of August, raising concerns about whether his recent medical complications would allow him to do so. The Pope is expected to visit Portugal in the first week of August. Later on, he will visit Mongolia at the end of the month. The Pope is also scheduled to visit the French city of Marseille in September.</p>

<p>Pope Francis, the 86-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life.</p>

<h2><strong>Pope facing health complications since young age</strong></h2>

<p>From a lung operation in his youth to ongoing issues with his knees, the pontiff has been dealing with health issues from a young age.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the age of 21, Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, faced a life-threatening situation when he developed pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lung. Surgeons had to remove three pulmonary cysts and a small portion of his upper right lung, leading to a lengthy and painful recovery.</p>

<p>The Pope has also dealt with sciatica, a chronic nerve condition causing back, hip, and leg pain. This condition has occasionally forced him to cancel official events. The pope explained that his distinctive limp, which he compared to "walking like a broody chicken",&nbsp;is actually due to a flat foot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past, the 86-year-old sought acupuncture treatment from a Chinese practitioner to alleviate his back pain. Additionally, he faced health issues, such as a gallbladder infection in the late 1970s or early 1980s, a heart condition in 2004, and problems with a fatty liver, which he managed by making dietary changes.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday saying that Pope Francis' abdominal hernia surgery was completed without any complications. The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome earlier in the day.

The Vatican released a statement on Wednesday saying that Pope Francis' abdominal hernia surgery was completed without any complications. The 86-year-old pontiff was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome earlier in the day. "The operation is over, it went without complications and lasted three hours," the Vatican press office said in a short statement on Telegram. All papal audiences have been called off until June 18. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni released a statement saying that the pope was suffering from a hernia that was "causing recurrent, painful and worsening" symptoms. As per reports, the hernia was most likely caused by scars from a colon operation the Argentine pontiff underwent in the year 2021. Also read: Explained: The many health troubles faced by Pope Francis as he goes for intestinal surgery Pope Francis awake, cracking jokes after surgery Pope's surgeon at Rome's Gemelli hospital said that he is awake and cracking jokes after the abdominal operation. "The Holy Father reacted well both to the surgery and the anaesthesia. He is already awake... he has already cracked a joke," surgeon Sergio Alfieri told reporters. The Vatican said that the pontiff is expected to remain hospitalised for several days. Surgery ahead of tightly-scheduled August The Pope is expected to embark on several long trips in the month of August, raising concerns about whether his recent medical complications would allow him to do so. The Pope is expected to visit Portugal in the first week of August. Later on, he will visit Mongolia at the end of the month. The Pope is also scheduled to visit the French city of Marseille in September. Pope Francis, the 86-year-old leader of the Catholic Church, has faced numerous health challenges throughout his life. Pope facing health complications since young age From a lung operation in his youth to ongoing issues with his knees, the pontiff has been dealing with health issues from a young age. At the age of 21, Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, faced a life-threatening situation when he developed pleurisy, which is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the lung. Surgeons had to remove three pulmonary cysts and a small portion of his upper right lung, leading to a lengthy and painful recovery. The Pope has also dealt with sciatica, a chronic nerve condition causing back, hip, and leg pain. This condition has occasionally forced him to cancel official events. The pope explained that his distinctive limp, which he compared to "walking like a broody chicken", is actually due to a flat foot. In the past, the 86-year-old sought acupuncture treatment from a Chinese practitioner to alleviate his back pain. Additionally, he faced health issues, such as a gallbladder infection in the late 1970s or early 1980s, a heart condition in 2004, and problems with a fatty liver, which he managed by making dietary changes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pope Francis' surgery completed without any complications, says Vatican

Climate activists wreaked havoc on Rome's Trevi Fountain by releasing vegetable charcoal in the bright blue water. Scientists say Europe could face a probable drought. Is Europe ready to handle a climate crisis? Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas: Climate activists pour vegetable charcoal in Trevi fountain

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms - Climate activists in Italy made a powerful statement by turning the water of Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black. They did this to draw attention to the recent devastating floods in the country's Northeast region which claimed the lives of 14 individuals. As per the activists, the floods which are being described as the worst in the century but is just a warning.

Climate activists turn Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain black

<p>The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud,&nbsp;Dane Holger Rune, etc. -- looking set to rule the circuit for long.</p>

<p>With Djokovic's quarter-final defeat in the ongoing Italian Open 2023 edition, the Serb feels the 'new generation is here already'. “A new generation is here already,” Djokovic told reporters. “Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday, obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up," he further opined.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/rafael-nadal-withdraws-from-french-open-2023-with-injury-concerns-out-for-several-months-593766">Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'I’m personally still trying to hang in there'</strong></h2>

<p>Djokovic asserted, "We’ve been saying this for years that we can expect that moment to come when you have a kind of shift of generations." He further added, "I'm personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I still have the hunger to keep going. Let’s see how far I’m going to play."</p>

<p>While Federer retired in 2022, Nadal has been out of action due to injury concerns -- also withdrawing from the upcoming French Open 2023 on Thursday (May 18) -- whereas Djokovic has not remained consistent as he was some time back. Thus, there is a far chance that he might be stretched considerably in the forthcoming Roland Garros, commencing on May 22, for the mega title.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, on Thursday, Nadal announced his decision to pull out of the French Open due to a hip injury. He will be out for months and also expects 2024 to probably be his last year in professional tennis.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>
&nbsp;

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
&nbsp;

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Dane Holger Rune, etc.

The Big Three in tennis, such as Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, have ruled the sport for several years. In recent times, a lot has been said and written about the generational shift waiting to take place with a plethora of young talents -- Carlos Alcaraz, Casper Ruud, Dane Holger Rune, etc. -- looking set to rule the circuit for long. With Djokovic's quarter-final defeat in the ongoing Italian Open 2023 edition, the Serb feels the 'new generation is here already'. “A new generation is here already,” Djokovic told reporters. “Alcaraz is No. 1 in the world from Monday, obviously he’s playing amazing tennis. I think it’s also good for our sport that we have new faces, new guys coming up," he further opined. Also Read: Rafael Nadal withdraws from French Open, expects '2024 to be his last year in tennis' 'I’m personally still trying to hang in there' Djokovic asserted, "We’ve been saying this for years that we can expect that moment to come when you have a kind of shift of generations." He further added, "I'm personally still trying to hang in there with all of them. I still have the hunger to keep going. Let’s see how far I’m going to play." While Federer retired in 2022, Nadal has been out of action due to injury concerns -- also withdrawing from the upcoming French Open 2023 on Thursday (May 18) -- whereas Djokovic has not remained consistent as he was some time back. Thus, there is a far chance that he might be stretched considerably in the forthcoming Roland Garros, commencing on May 22, for the mega title. Meanwhile, on Thursday, Nadal announced his decision to pull out of the French Open due to a hip injury. He will be out for months and also expects 2024 to probably be his last year in professional tennis. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

'New generation is here already': Novak Djokovic on young talents after Rome quarter-final exit

<p>Elena Rybakina has comfortably won both her matches against Iga Swiatek this year but expects a tougher test against the world number one when the pair face off on clay at the Italian Open later on Wednesday. Rybakina downed Swiatek in straight sets at the Australian Open in January and ended her title defence at Indian Wells with both matches played on hardcourts, where the Wimbledon champion used her booming serve and groundstrokes to good effect.</p>

<p>But the Kazakh said French Open champion Swiatek would be a completely different prospect in the Rome quarter-final. "I think clay changes it a lot," Rybakina said. "It's more rallies, it's more physical, she has more time, I have more time. It's much different than the hardcourts for sure. "I'm not expecting much. It's a practice. I'm taking it this way. Hopefully, it'll help me perform at the French Open."</p>

<p>Rybakina said she was not dwelling too much on the pair's budding rivalry. "But of course, I see some comments," Rybakina said. "It's good if fans think that way and that it's entertaining to see us play against each other."</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-novak-djokovic-sees-off-cameron-norrie-in-straight-sets-to-reach-quarter-finals-592997">Italian Open: Novak Djokovic sees off Cameron Norrie in straight sets to reach quarter-finals</a></strong></p>

<p>Poland's Swiatek, who won her first match with Rybakina in Ostrava two years ago, said she would treat their latest meeting like any other match. "For now I don't have any mindset," defending Rome champion Swiatek said. "It's neutral. Coming back to my previous matches against Elena, it doesn't make sense. It was on hardcourts. "I know how I felt. This time I don't have any expectations. I'm just going to come out and play the best game possible."</p>


Elena Rybakina has comfortably won both her matches against Iga Swiatek this year but expects a tougher test against the world number one when the pair face off on clay at the Italian Open later on Wednesday.

Elena Rybakina has comfortably won both her matches against Iga Swiatek this year but expects a tougher test against the world number one when the pair face off on clay at the Italian Open later on Wednesday. Rybakina downed Swiatek in straight sets at the Australian Open in January and ended her title defence at Indian Wells with both matches played on hardcourts, where the Wimbledon champion used her booming serve and groundstrokes to good effect. But the Kazakh said French Open champion Swiatek would be a completely different prospect in the Rome quarter-final. "I think clay changes it a lot," Rybakina said. "It's more rallies, it's more physical, she has more time, I have more time. It's much different than the hardcourts for sure. "I'm not expecting much. It's a practice. I'm taking it this way. Hopefully, it'll help me perform at the French Open." Rybakina said she was not dwelling too much on the pair's budding rivalry. "But of course, I see some comments," Rybakina said. "It's good if fans think that way and that it's entertaining to see us play against each other." Also Read: Italian Open: Novak Djokovic sees off Cameron Norrie in straight sets to reach quarter-finals Poland's Swiatek, who won her first match with Rybakina in Ostrava two years ago, said she would treat their latest meeting like any other match. "For now I don't have any mindset," defending Rome champion Swiatek said. "It's neutral. Coming back to my previous matches against Elena, it doesn't make sense. It was on hardcourts. "I know how I felt. This time I don't have any expectations. I'm just going to come out and play the best game possible."

Tennis: Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek to renew rivalry in Italian Open quarter-finals

Hundreds of residents gathered in front of Rome's town hall on Wednesday to protest against the recent measures introduced on polluting cars by the mayor to combat air pollution

Rome residents protest restrictions on polluting cars

<p>A group of climate activists in Italy Saturday staged a protest against fossil fuel consumption by pouring vegetable-based charcoal-black liquid into Rome's famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The group, known as Ultima Generazione, is associated with the campaign "WE DON'T PAY FOR FOSSIL." It said in a statement, “Our future is as black as this water: without water there is no life.”</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">ROME, Italy—Climate activists have just poured black dye in Bernini’s priceless “Fountain of the Four Rivers” in Piazza Navona.<br />
<br />
Thoughts? <a href="https://t.co/eWNeBzOnvr">pic.twitter.com/eWNeBzOnvr</a></p>
— Bree A Dail (@breeadail) <a href="https://twitter.com/breeadail/status/1654877819271249920?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Significance of the Fiumi Fountain</strong></h2>

<p>The Fiumi Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Four Rivers, was built in 1651 by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Rome's famous Piazza Navona plaza. The fountain features statues depicting the four main rivers of the Earth, one for each continent known at the time: the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plata. The activists chose this fountain to symbolize the importance of water for human life and how the current climate crisis threatens this equilibrium.</p>

<h2><strong>The Italian govt condemns the protest</strong></h2>

<p>The Italian government condemned the protest, and members of the group were arrested and are now facing accusations of defacing a public monument. Italy’s minister of culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, slammed the activists' protest, saying those guilty must "pay out of their own pockets."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said, “As I have explained many times, these are acts against the environment which they claim to want to defend because the notion of landscape includes what beautiful things over centuries of history human genius has produced.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Experts talk about the anthropization of the environment. Now again, a lot of water will have to be used to clean up and costs incurred to restore the state of the monument – and (paying for it) will be Italian citizens,” the minister added.</p>

<h2><strong>Second fountain to be defaced in Italy</strong></h2>

<p>The same group had previously staged protests at other Italian historical sites, including the Barcaccia fountain in Rome's centre, which they also poured dark liquid into last month. The group said that it was done to highlight dangers to the water resources due to global warming. "Those in power are wreaking far worse havoc before our eyes. How can we accept that we continue to give money to those responsible for pollution and destructive weather?" the group said in a Tweet.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-climate-activists-in-rome-turn-17th-century-landmark-fountain-black-in-protest-578109">WATCH | Climate activists in Rome turn 17th-century landmark fountain black in protest</a></strong></p>

<p>Climate activists allege that the government continues to use taxpayer funds to support the fossil fuel sector rather than taking action to preserve crops, the economy, and, most importantly, the population.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


A group of climate activists in Italy Saturday staged a protest against fossil fuel consumption by pouring vegetable-based charcoal-black liquid into Rome's famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi.

A group of climate activists in Italy Saturday staged a protest against fossil fuel consumption by pouring vegetable-based charcoal-black liquid into Rome's famous Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi. The group, known as Ultima Generazione, is associated with the campaign "WE DON'T PAY FOR FOSSIL." It said in a statement, “Our future is as black as this water: without water there is no life.” ROME, Italy—Climate activists have just poured black dye in Bernini’s priceless “Fountain of the Four Rivers” in Piazza Navona. Thoughts? pic.twitter.com/eWNeBzOnvr — Bree A Dail (@breeadail) May 6, 2023 × Significance of the Fiumi Fountain The Fiumi Fountain, also known as the Fountain of Four Rivers, was built in 1651 by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini in Rome's famous Piazza Navona plaza. The fountain features statues depicting the four main rivers of the Earth, one for each continent known at the time: the Danube, the Ganges, the Nile, and the Rio de la Plata. The activists chose this fountain to symbolize the importance of water for human life and how the current climate crisis threatens this equilibrium. The Italian govt condemns the protest The Italian government condemned the protest, and members of the group were arrested and are now facing accusations of defacing a public monument. Italy’s minister of culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, slammed the activists' protest, saying those guilty must "pay out of their own pockets." He said, “As I have explained many times, these are acts against the environment which they claim to want to defend because the notion of landscape includes what beautiful things over centuries of history human genius has produced.” “Experts talk about the anthropization of the environment. Now again, a lot of water will have to be used to clean up and costs incurred to restore the state of the monument – and (paying for it) will be Italian citizens,” the minister added. Second fountain to be defaced in Italy The same group had previously staged protests at other Italian historical sites, including the Barcaccia fountain in Rome's centre, which they also poured dark liquid into last month. The group said that it was done to highlight dangers to the water resources due to global warming. "Those in power are wreaking far worse havoc before our eyes. How can we accept that we continue to give money to those responsible for pollution and destructive weather?" the group said in a Tweet. Also Read | WATCH | Climate activists in Rome turn 17th-century landmark fountain black in protest Climate activists allege that the government continues to use taxpayer funds to support the fossil fuel sector rather than taking action to preserve crops, the economy, and, most importantly, the population. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Watch: Activists deface Rome's iconic fountain with black liquid 'to highlight impact of climate change'

<p>The Vatican is taking action against so-called "mystics" who claim to be able to communicate with the Virgin Mary, amid concerns that some of them are exploiting the believers. The move comes after a woman named Gisella Cardia drew hundreds of followers to her monthly trances on a hilltop near Rome, where she claims to be able to hear the mother of Jesus Christ and read out her revelations to the gathered crowd. Among her most unusual claims was that the Madonna made free pizza.</p>

<p>Cardia's claims have been met with scepticism, and the Vatican has set up a task force to investigate such mystics, with a particular focus on those who claim to be able to speak to Mary. The task force will be chaired by Italian priest Stefano Cecchin and will be set up by the Vatican's Pontifical Mariana Internationalis Academy.</p>

<h2><strong>Vatican concerned</strong></h2>

<p>The Vatican is increasingly concerned about those who may be exploiting the faithful, and wants to help believers who are "easily deceived." The rise of the Madonna mystics, who promote apocalyptic scenarios and sometimes make accusations against the Pope and the Church, is causing particular concern.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Vatican: Pope Francis expected to take part in the mass</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/vatican-pope-francis-expected-to-take-part-in-the-mass-580664/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Cardia's Madonna figure comes from Medjugorje in Bosnia, a place of pilgrimage since 1981 when six children claimed to have seen visions of Mary there. However, the pope has cast doubt on alleged apparitions in recent years, saying that events like the one in Medjugorje "do not have much value."</p>

<h2><strong>Commission set up by local bishop to oversee investigation</strong></h2>

<p>The task force will not specifically investigate Cardia, but a commission set up by a local bishop will scrutinize her testimonies.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-unilaterally-appoints-bishop-to-shanghai-violates-the-secret-pact-once-again-579502">China unilaterally appoints bishop to Shanghai, violates the secret pact once again</a></strong></p>

<p>Sister Daniela del Gaudio, the head of the Vatican task force, dismissed Cardia's claim of miraculous pizza as false and said that when saints increased food, it was done with great humility and in times of famine for a real need.</p>

<p>Cardia has hit back at her critics, saying that she has been accused of everything from blasphemy to prostitution. The local mayor ordered her to remove a marquee and benches for her audience that were set up on the hilltop without permission, as well as her statue of the Madonna. However, Cardia has remained defiant, saying that she intends to stay put.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Vatican is taking action against so-called "mystics" who claim to be able to communicate with the Virgin Mary, amid concerns that some of them are exploiting the believers.

The Vatican is taking action against so-called "mystics" who claim to be able to communicate with the Virgin Mary, amid concerns that some of them are exploiting the believers. The move comes after a woman named Gisella Cardia drew hundreds of followers to her monthly trances on a hilltop near Rome, where she claims to be able to hear the mother of Jesus Christ and read out her revelations to the gathered crowd. Among her most unusual claims was that the Madonna made free pizza. Cardia's claims have been met with scepticism, and the Vatican has set up a task force to investigate such mystics, with a particular focus on those who claim to be able to speak to Mary. The task force will be chaired by Italian priest Stefano Cecchin and will be set up by the Vatican's Pontifical Mariana Internationalis Academy. Vatican concerned The Vatican is increasingly concerned about those who may be exploiting the faithful, and wants to help believers who are "easily deceived." The rise of the Madonna mystics, who promote apocalyptic scenarios and sometimes make accusations against the Pope and the Church, is causing particular concern. Watch: Vatican: Pope Francis expected to take part in the mass × Cardia's Madonna figure comes from Medjugorje in Bosnia, a place of pilgrimage since 1981 when six children claimed to have seen visions of Mary there. However, the pope has cast doubt on alleged apparitions in recent years, saying that events like the one in Medjugorje "do not have much value." Commission set up by local bishop to oversee investigation The task force will not specifically investigate Cardia, but a commission set up by a local bishop will scrutinize her testimonies. Also Read | China unilaterally appoints bishop to Shanghai, violates the secret pact once again Sister Daniela del Gaudio, the head of the Vatican task force, dismissed Cardia's claim of miraculous pizza as false and said that when saints increased food, it was done with great humility and in times of famine for a real need. Cardia has hit back at her critics, saying that she has been accused of everything from blasphemy to prostitution. The local mayor ordered her to remove a marquee and benches for her audience that were set up on the hilltop without permission, as well as her statue of the Madonna. However, Cardia has remained defiant, saying that she intends to stay put. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Vatican creates task force against fraudsters as “mystic” claims Virgin Mary gave her free pizza

In pics | 2,000-year-old ancient Roman gallery under the streets of Lisbon

<p>A study published in the academic journal Antiquity, on Monday (April 17), detailed how when citizens in ancient Rome were watching gladiator duels the elite were present in the mini-city spanning 24 hectares for a very different reason, winemaking.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Villa of Quintilii</strong></p>

<p>Villa of the Quintilii was once home to a theatre, an arena for chariot races and a bath complex with walls and floors lined in marble also had a winery where the Roman elite gathered annually for viewing the theatre of winemaking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is situated, south of Rome, next to the ancient Appian Way road and is also said to be the only second known example in the Graeco-Roman world of a site built specifically for this purpose.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The complex whose origins lie in the second century AD also included a series of luxurious dining rooms which had a view of fountains flowing with wine and is also just beyond the city limits possibly allowing the very elite of the Roman world like emperors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Villa of the Quintilii “was an amazing mini city completed by a luxury winery for the emperor himself to indulge his Bacchic tendencies,” said archaeologist Dr Emlyn Dodd who is also an expert on ancient wine production, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The villa was likely built by the Quintilii brothers who served as consuls of Rome in 151AD and were killed by Emperor Commodus around 181AD. It is also speculated that once the imperial rulers took personal ownership of the complex they had been expanding and modifying it for centuries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Importance of wine at the time</strong></p>

<p>Notably, wine and agriculture held great importance to the nobility’s wealth and power, “Wine was a huge source of wealth for the Roman elite,” Dodd told NBC News. He added, “They owned vast amounts of land dedicated to viniculture, winemaking, and they were selling it all across the Mediterranean.”</p>

<p>Dodd also pointed out how “wine permeates the whole culture and society — it’s used in religion, medicine, in daily life, it was the main beverage when water wasn’t safe to drink,” reported NBC News.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>About the winery and the process</strong></p>

<p>The winery had a purpose-built facility complete with marble-lined areas for treading grapes and fountains of wine, said a recent study. Dodd also highlighted the recently excavated areas where men would be treading grapes with their bare feet in a rectangular area measuring 37 feet by 14 feet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also found that the treading areas which would typically have waterproof concrete were covered in red marble. “Which isn’t ideal, as marble gets incredibly slippery when wet. But it shows that whoever built this was prioritising the extravagant nature of the winery over practical considerations,” said Dodd, as per the Guardian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study then details how the crushed grapes would be taken to the two mechanical presses, 2 metres in diameter, which stood nearby before the brightly-coloured liquid flowed into niches and created a fountain-like effect. Altogether there were five fountains, two of which produced water set into a courtyard wall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Only one of the dining rooms has been excavated, so far, and had been lavishly decorated with marble motifs possibly to allow guests to view each stage of the winemaking process through wide entrances which were set around three sides of the open courtyard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The grape would flow along open channels into vast ceramic dolia or storage jars placed underground which was a standard winemaking technique in ancient Rome. “It’s much more about the spectacle than the product being produced. The level of decoration, with these fountains of wine, really shows that,” said Dodd, as per NBC News.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A study published in the academic journal Antiquity, on Monday (April 17), detailed how when citizens in ancient Rome were watching gladiator duels the elite were present in the mini-city spanning 24 hectares for a very different reason, winemaking.

A study published in the academic journal Antiquity, on Monday (April 17), detailed how when citizens in ancient Rome were watching gladiator duels the elite were present in the mini-city spanning 24 hectares for a very different reason, winemaking. Villa of Quintilii Villa of the Quintilii was once home to a theatre, an arena for chariot races and a bath complex with walls and floors lined in marble also had a winery where the Roman elite gathered annually for viewing the theatre of winemaking. It is situated, south of Rome, next to the ancient Appian Way road and is also said to be the only second known example in the Graeco-Roman world of a site built specifically for this purpose. The complex whose origins lie in the second century AD also included a series of luxurious dining rooms which had a view of fountains flowing with wine and is also just beyond the city limits possibly allowing the very elite of the Roman world like emperors. The Villa of the Quintilii “was an amazing mini city completed by a luxury winery for the emperor himself to indulge his Bacchic tendencies,” said archaeologist Dr Emlyn Dodd who is also an expert on ancient wine production, as per the Guardian. The villa was likely built by the Quintilii brothers who served as consuls of Rome in 151AD and were killed by Emperor Commodus around 181AD. It is also speculated that once the imperial rulers took personal ownership of the complex they had been expanding and modifying it for centuries. Importance of wine at the time Notably, wine and agriculture held great importance to the nobility’s wealth and power, “Wine was a huge source of wealth for the Roman elite,” Dodd told NBC News. He added, “They owned vast amounts of land dedicated to viniculture, winemaking, and they were selling it all across the Mediterranean.” Dodd also pointed out how “wine permeates the whole culture and society — it’s used in religion, medicine, in daily life, it was the main beverage when water wasn’t safe to drink,” reported NBC News. About the winery and the process The winery had a purpose-built facility complete with marble-lined areas for treading grapes and fountains of wine, said a recent study. Dodd also highlighted the recently excavated areas where men would be treading grapes with their bare feet in a rectangular area measuring 37 feet by 14 feet. He also found that the treading areas which would typically have waterproof concrete were covered in red marble. “Which isn’t ideal, as marble gets incredibly slippery when wet. But it shows that whoever built this was prioritising the extravagant nature of the winery over practical considerations,” said Dodd, as per the Guardian. The study then details how the crushed grapes would be taken to the two mechanical presses, 2 metres in diameter, which stood nearby before the brightly-coloured liquid flowed into niches and created a fountain-like effect. Altogether there were five fountains, two of which produced water set into a courtyard wall. Only one of the dining rooms has been excavated, so far, and had been lavishly decorated with marble motifs possibly to allow guests to view each stage of the winemaking process through wide entrances which were set around three sides of the open courtyard. The grape would flow along open channels into vast ceramic dolia or storage jars placed underground which was a standard winemaking technique in ancient Rome. “It’s much more about the spectacle than the product being produced. The level of decoration, with these fountains of wine, really shows that,” said Dodd, as per NBC News. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Lavish winery for ancient Roman elite found in ruins of Villa of the Quintilii

<p>Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="it">♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰<br />
<br />
E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. <a href="https://t.co/AROZ0oU8CX">pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX</a></p>
— Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) <a href="https://twitter.com/UltimaGenerazi1/status/1642110335665463296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini.</p>

<p>According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP.

Climate activists in Italy from the anti-climate change organisation Last Generation turned the landmark Baroque-style fountain at the foot of Rome’s Spanish Steps, on Saturday (April 1) black, reported news agency AFP. The step was reportedly taken in a protest as it foreshadows the “end of the world” scenario we are heading towards. ♠️ Roma - Tinta di nero l'acqua della fontana della Barcaccia 🚰 E' assurdo che questo gesto vi scandalizzi, quando stiamo vivendo un'emergenza siccità che mette in crisi l'agricoltura, la produzione di energia... insomma la nostra stessa sussistenza, e ci sono dei responsabili. pic.twitter.com/AROZ0oU8CX — Ultima Generazione (@UltimaGenerazi1) April 1, 2023 × The group has been carrying out peaceful but disruptive protests in the country since before the last year’s general election urging lawmakers from all parties to make climate change their priority, as per AFP. This was also around the time when climate activists across Europe were seen throwing soup, mashed potatoes and even washable paint on artworks. The protest on Saturday targetted the 17th-century fountain, known to Romans as La Barcaccia in Rome where three activists were seen pouring vegetable-based carbon liquid before being escorted away by the police. The boat-shaped fountain was designed by the prominent Italian sculptor Pietro Bernini. According to Last Generation, it is believed that it was inspired by the discovery in 1598 of a boat in the square after it was washed inland by a flooding Tiber river. But the reason why they decided to turn it black was to evoke “the ‘end of the world’ scenario we are heading for, as we increasingly step on the accelerator: drought alternating with devastating floods, which will put an end to life on Earth, along with heat waves,” said the group, in a statement. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | Climate activists in Rome turn 17th-century landmark fountain black in protest

Pope Francis has been discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment for Bronchitis. While greeting the awaiting crowd and receiving well wishes, the Roman Catholic Church assured the people that he wasn't frightened and that he is alive!

Pope Francis discharged from hospital in Rome, says 'I am alive!' | WION Fineprint

<p>An investigation by an independent commission recently has unearthed the dirty face of child abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy in Portugal. The horrifying testimonies of the survivors become the ground of the commission's inquiry. The commission with the help of a large network of victims was able to make a deeper cut into finding out the ongoing paedophilia in the staunchly Catholic country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Portuguese inquiry which was commissioned by the church revealed that there are about 5,000 children who have become victims of child abuse since 1950. The report comes after the testimony of over 500 survivors last year.&nbsp;Commission head, Pedro Strecht, responded to the inquiry findings saying “This testimony allows us to establish a much larger network of victims, at least 4,815."&nbsp;</p>

<p>To do away with this gruesome malice, the country's bishop will reportedly convene in March. As per reports, the time for the majority of the offenders has passed its limit for bringing about the charges but 25 of these cases have been transferred to the prosecution service.</p>

<h2><strong>Victims' voices&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Many victims have come forward to unlock their pain in front of the commission and recount the horror they have lived. A 43-year-old woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity has alleged that a priest raped her during confession when she was just a 17-year-old novice nun.</p>

<p>The woman revealed that she kept it a secret for a long time because of her deep-seated fear of speaking out against the clergies in a largely Catholic country. At one point, she said she mustered up the courage to bring culprits to justice but no one did anything to help her.</p>

<p>She expressed her anger saying that a bishop asking for forgiveness for his sins does not hold any meaning for her. “We don’t know if they mean it," she said adding, “The church needs to cleanse itself."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>But this is not just Europe...</b></h2>

<p>The child abuse cases which has now come to light in Portugal are nothing new as these accusations have been emerging every now and then from all across the world. Data exposes the magnanimity of the situation which can make anyone sit up and notice. The United States, too, have its own share of the burden when it comes to tackling these child abuse scandals carried out by the priests and the Catholic churches.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For instance, the legal bearing of the lawsuits got pretty real for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. As per reports, now the diocese may soon become bankrupt as it stares down “staggering" legal costs thanks to about 400 lawsuits against its priests for allegedly sexually abusing children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Diocese in a statement said that a whopping $550 million in legal charges are against priests who are not presently serving.</p>

<p>All these cases, as per Diocese, were filed after a 2019 bill which make it possible for child sexual abuse victims in California to no longer face deadlines to file civil claims. At the time, California State Representative Dawn Addis in her remarks said that it's "time to end this arbitrary and cruel time limit on justice."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the new law?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Under the previous law, minor sexual assault survivors only had until their 40th birthday to seek justice in civil court however with the new bill the time limit is now dropped. It has opened floodgates as most of the alleged abuses were reportedly cited in the suits that took place 50 to 75 years ago. These child abuse victims just do not come forward by that age sometimes. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The data suggests that in New York, nearly 11,000 cases were filed in state courts seeking to hold Catholic dioceses responsible for sexual abuse by clergy.&nbsp;And it is interesting to note that like in California mass sexual abuse litigations are being filed all across US.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A total of 23 states, along with two territories and Washington, D.C., have passed laws that suspend statutes of limitations for sexual-abuse victims. However, there is one more loophole, the way the bankruptcy claims-filing procedures are.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The loopholes in the&nbsp;Bankruptcy filings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Judges who look at these filings in the Bankruptcy courts sometimes set up their own deadlines. This becomes an issue because when the victim misses the deadline they get nothing or they get only some of the claim from the accumulated amounts for unknown claimants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In December 2019, Pope Francis in a bid to crack down on sexual abuse cases abolished the rule of pontifical secrecy. The changes let go of a practice of keeping silent on those who report sexual abuse or allege they have been a victim. At the time, Pope Francis vowed zero tolerance saying he will come down heavily on stopping the abuse. Even so, there are growing voices which continues to call for more to put an end to it all.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1  width=&quot;100%&quot;"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


An investigation by an independent commission recently has unearthed the dirty face of child abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy in Portugal. The horrifying testimonies of the survivors become the ground of the commission's inquiry.

An investigation by an independent commission recently has unearthed the dirty face of child abuse at the hands of Catholic clergy in Portugal. The horrifying testimonies of the survivors become the ground of the commission's inquiry. The commission with the help of a large network of victims was able to make a deeper cut into finding out the ongoing paedophilia in the staunchly Catholic country. The Portuguese inquiry which was commissioned by the church revealed that there are about 5,000 children who have become victims of child abuse since 1950. The report comes after the testimony of over 500 survivors last year. Commission head, Pedro Strecht, responded to the inquiry findings saying “This testimony allows us to establish a much larger network of victims, at least 4,815." To do away with this gruesome malice, the country's bishop will reportedly convene in March. As per reports, the time for the majority of the offenders has passed its limit for bringing about the charges but 25 of these cases have been transferred to the prosecution service. Victims' voices Many victims have come forward to unlock their pain in front of the commission and recount the horror they have lived. A 43-year-old woman, who spoke on the condition of anonymity has alleged that a priest raped her during confession when she was just a 17-year-old novice nun. The woman revealed that she kept it a secret for a long time because of her deep-seated fear of speaking out against the clergies in a largely Catholic country. At one point, she said she mustered up the courage to bring culprits to justice but no one did anything to help her. She expressed her anger saying that a bishop asking for forgiveness for his sins does not hold any meaning for her. “We don’t know if they mean it," she said adding, “The church needs to cleanse itself." But this is not just Europe... The child abuse cases which has now come to light in Portugal are nothing new as these accusations have been emerging every now and then from all across the world. Data exposes the magnanimity of the situation which can make anyone sit up and notice. The United States, too, have its own share of the burden when it comes to tackling these child abuse scandals carried out by the priests and the Catholic churches. For instance, the legal bearing of the lawsuits got pretty real for the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Diego. As per reports, now the diocese may soon become bankrupt as it stares down “staggering" legal costs thanks to about 400 lawsuits against its priests for allegedly sexually abusing children. The Diocese in a statement said that a whopping $550 million in legal charges are against priests who are not presently serving. All these cases, as per Diocese, were filed after a 2019 bill which make it possible for child sexual abuse victims in California to no longer face deadlines to file civil claims. At the time, California State Representative Dawn Addis in her remarks said that it's "time to end this arbitrary and cruel time limit on justice." What is the new law? Under the previous law, minor sexual assault survivors only had until their 40th birthday to seek justice in civil court however with the new bill the time limit is now dropped. It has opened floodgates as most of the alleged abuses were reportedly cited in the suits that took place 50 to 75 years ago. These child abuse victims just do not come forward by that age sometimes. The data suggests that in New York, nearly 11,000 cases were filed in state courts seeking to hold Catholic dioceses responsible for sexual abuse by clergy. And it is interesting to note that like in California mass sexual abuse litigations are being filed all across US. A total of 23 states, along with two territories and Washington, D.C., have passed laws that suspend statutes of limitations for sexual-abuse victims. However, there is one more loophole, the way the bankruptcy claims-filing procedures are. The loopholes in the Bankruptcy filings Judges who look at these filings in the Bankruptcy courts sometimes set up their own deadlines. This becomes an issue because when the victim misses the deadline they get nothing or they get only some of the claim from the accumulated amounts for unknown claimants. In December 2019, Pope Francis in a bid to crack down on sexual abuse cases abolished the rule of pontifical secrecy. The changes let go of a practice of keeping silent on those who report sexual abuse or allege they have been a victim. At the time, Pope Francis vowed zero tolerance saying he will come down heavily on stopping the abuse. Even so, there are growing voices which continues to call for more to put an end to it all. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

EXPLAINED: The ugly face of Child sexual abuse in Catholic church

Pope Francis wrapped up a peace mission to South Sudan urging an end to the blind fury of violence. Pope Francis made peace and reconciliation the theme of his three-day trip to the world's newest nation before flying back to Rome.

Pope Francis wraps up South Sudan peace mission, says 'no more bloodshed, conflicts'

A Romanian court upheld Andrew Tate's 30-day detention by authorities. The misogynist, his brother and 2 others will stay in jail while the police continue their investigation into his alleged crimes. Priyanka Sharma brings you the details.

WION Fineprint | Andrew Tate's 30-day detention upheld

<p>The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery. However, research published on Friday (January 6) in the journal Science Advances has found the answer and it is in the material used to create these majestic structures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The team, which included researchers from the United States, Italy and Switzerland, found that the technique used to make concrete durable might be due to its “self-healing” properties. Take Pantheon for example, which nearly 2,000 years later, still stands as the world’s largest dome of unreinforced concrete, which “would not have existed without the concrete as it was in the Roman time”, said Admir Masic, lead author of the paper and an Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor of civil and environmental engineering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-have-found-where-fearful-memories-live-in-our-brains-550278">Scientists have found where scary memories 'live' in our brains</a></strong></p>

<p>The researchers analysed 2,000-year-old concrete samples collected from a wall at the archaeological site of Privernum, Italy, the structure which is said to have a similar composition to that of concrete found through the Roman Empire and found pozzolanic concrete. It is a durable building material which contributes to the strength of Roman architecture and the main ingredient of which is named after the Italian city of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that the durability and “self-healing” properties of the concrete came from its ingredients, pozzolana from Pozzuoli which is a mix of volcanic ash found in the city and lime. According to the research, when mixed together with water they combined to form a strong concrete. “They knew that was a great material, but they probably didn’t know that it would last thousands of years,” said Masic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the team also found that the white chunks on the surface of Roman architecture which are not found in modern concrete formulations, originate from lime and are called “lime clasts” formed due to the composition of the concrete. Notably, what was previously dismissed as a consequence of sloppy mixing practices or low-quality raw materials is actually what contributes to the previously unknown self-healing capability of this type of concrete.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-fda-approves-new-medicine-for-alzheimers-550199">U.S. FDA approves new medicine for Alzheimer's</a></strong></p>

<p>“The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low-quality control always bothered me,” said Masic. However, upon further inspection with high-resolution multiscale imaging and chemical mapping techniques, the team discovered different forms of calcium carbonate in these lime clasts which happen in places where water is not readily available.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They concluded that they arose because of the use of quicklime, which is the most reactive form of limestone and was created by limestone being heated at high temperatures. This would also be the most dangerous form of limestone, however, once mixed with water it produces slaked lime or calcium hydroxide which is a slightly less reactive form which the researchers first thought was mixed with pozzolana and then used by ancient Romans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the team’s analysis later found that this was not the case and the method was inconsistent with their findings. Therefore, the research suggests that the Romans opted for a process called “hot mixing” which would use quicklime directly with the pozzolana and water at extremely high temperatures. “The benefits of hot mixing are twofold,”&nbsp;said Masic.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/defying-odds-mother-with-rare-heart-shaped-uterus-delivers-one-in-500-million-twins-550145">Defying odds, mother with rare heart-shaped uterus delivers 'one-in-500-million' twins</a></strong></p>

<p>He added, “First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>This would be in addition to the lime clasts’ self-healing abilities. According to the study, when a crack in the structure occurs it travels through these lime clasts whose reaction with water leads them to form a calcium-rich solution which seals the damage and prevents it from spreading any further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p><em>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></em></p>


The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery.

The structures made by ancient Romans have survived millennia, the fall of an empire, witnessed wars and are standing tall to this day as a testament to the genius of their engineers and architects, but how they managed to do so remained a mystery. However, research published on Friday (January 6) in the journal Science Advances has found the answer and it is in the material used to create these majestic structures. The team, which included researchers from the United States, Italy and Switzerland, found that the technique used to make concrete durable might be due to its “self-healing” properties. Take Pantheon for example, which nearly 2,000 years later, still stands as the world’s largest dome of unreinforced concrete, which “would not have existed without the concrete as it was in the Roman time”, said Admir Masic, lead author of the paper and an Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) professor of civil and environmental engineering. ALSO READ | Scientists have found where scary memories 'live' in our brains The researchers analysed 2,000-year-old concrete samples collected from a wall at the archaeological site of Privernum, Italy, the structure which is said to have a similar composition to that of concrete found through the Roman Empire and found pozzolanic concrete. It is a durable building material which contributes to the strength of Roman architecture and the main ingredient of which is named after the Italian city of Pozzuoli, on the Bay of Naples. The study led by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) found that the durability and “self-healing” properties of the concrete came from its ingredients, pozzolana from Pozzuoli which is a mix of volcanic ash found in the city and lime. According to the research, when mixed together with water they combined to form a strong concrete. “They knew that was a great material, but they probably didn’t know that it would last thousands of years,” said Masic. Additionally, the team also found that the white chunks on the surface of Roman architecture which are not found in modern concrete formulations, originate from lime and are called “lime clasts” formed due to the composition of the concrete. Notably, what was previously dismissed as a consequence of sloppy mixing practices or low-quality raw materials is actually what contributes to the previously unknown self-healing capability of this type of concrete. ALSO WATCH | U.S. FDA approves new medicine for Alzheimer's “The idea that the presence of these lime clasts was simply attributed to low-quality control always bothered me,” said Masic. However, upon further inspection with high-resolution multiscale imaging and chemical mapping techniques, the team discovered different forms of calcium carbonate in these lime clasts which happen in places where water is not readily available. They concluded that they arose because of the use of quicklime, which is the most reactive form of limestone and was created by limestone being heated at high temperatures. This would also be the most dangerous form of limestone, however, once mixed with water it produces slaked lime or calcium hydroxide which is a slightly less reactive form which the researchers first thought was mixed with pozzolana and then used by ancient Romans. However, the team’s analysis later found that this was not the case and the method was inconsistent with their findings. Therefore, the research suggests that the Romans opted for a process called “hot mixing” which would use quicklime directly with the pozzolana and water at extremely high temperatures. “The benefits of hot mixing are twofold,” said Masic. ALSO READ | Defying odds, mother with rare heart-shaped uterus delivers 'one-in-500-million' twins He added, “First, when the overall concrete is heated to high temperatures, it allows chemistries that are not possible if you only used slaked lime, producing high-temperature-associated compounds that would not otherwise form. Second, this increased temperature significantly reduces curing and setting times since all the reactions are accelerated, allowing for much faster construction.” This would be in addition to the lime clasts’ self-healing abilities. According to the study, when a crack in the structure occurs it travels through these lime clasts whose reaction with water leads them to form a calcium-rich solution which seals the damage and prevents it from spreading any further. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Researchers find ancient Roman architecture’s ‘self-healing’ properties which made it survive for so long

rome

Rome, News on Rome, stories on Rome, articles on Rome, Rome stories at Wion, Rome news, Rome latest news