‘It’s a Proper Jungle’: Rome’s Rat and Snake Infestation Blamed on Waste Problems

THE GUARDIAN: Pest control expert says warmer winters help creatures such as oriental hornets, snakes and rats thrive in the city

A Rome zoologist says the Italian capital has become “a proper jungle” amid a surge in the presence of snakes, oriental hornets, seagulls and rats owing to a combination of high temperatures and the city’s persistent problem with rubbish.

Andrea Lunerti, who is well known in Rome for capturing dangerous animals, said he had been inundated with calls this summer, especially reports of snake sightings.

“There are many more sightings of snakes than there used to be,” Lunerti said. “The snake population grew exponentially during the winter because the temperature was so warm. They wouldn’t have survived if it had been cold. Then they come to the city from their natural environment because there is a lot of food waste, and where there is food waste there are rats – their main prey.”

The most common type of snake found in Rome is the green whip snake, although Lunerti has captured four vipers too. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Friday, August 16, 2024

WIKIPEDIA: Green whip snake »

Pro-Palestinian Rallies in the UK, Europe Call for Peace in Gaza

Oct 28, 2023 | Tens of thousands of people have joined pro-Palestinian rallies in the UK and Europe, as Israel expands its response to the deadly Hamas attack of 7 October. They come after a majority of nations voted on Friday for a United Nations resolution calling for a ''sustained humanitarian truce'' in Gaza.

Auch in Kreuzberg, Deutschland.

Pope Condemns Power Hungry and Alludes to Ukraine Conflict in Christmas Eve Mass

THE GUARDIAN: 7,000 people fill St. Peter’s Basilica after several years of Covid imposed restrictions on attendance

Pope Francis kisses a statue of baby Jesus as he celebrates Christmas Eve ,ass in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican. Photograph: Vatican Media/Reuters
Pope Francis warned in a solemn Christmas Eve Mass that the level of greed and hunger for power was such that some wanted to “consume even their neighbours”, in an apparent reference to the war in Ukraine.

Francis, celebrating the 10th Christmas of his pontificate, presided over a capacity crowd of about 7,000 in St. Peter’s Basilica after several years of restricted attendance because of Covid.

About 4,000 other people participated outside in St. Peter’s Square on a relatively warm night.

As was the case for the past several months, a knee ailment prevented Francis from standing for long periods, delegating a cardinal to be the main celebrant at the altar of the largest church in Christendom. » | Reuters | Sunday, December 25, 2022

Is Historic Rome Villa the World's Most Valuable Property?

A historic Rome valued at €471m ($535m) has failed to sell at auction, with a new sale set for later this year.

The property is home to the only known ceiling mural by Italian baroque artist Michelangelo Merisi, better known as Caravaggio.

The BBC's Rome correspondent Mark Lowen was allowed in to take a sneak peek inside.


Villa Aurora: Rome property fails to sell for €471m at auction: A villa in the Italian capital Rome housing the only mural by Caravaggio has failed to sell at auction. »

The Story of Julius Caesar's Murder | Tony Robinson's Romans: Julius Caesar Pt 2 | Timeline

Apr 28, 2018 • Julius Caesar is one of the monumental figures of history. He forged the role of Emperor and was worshipped as a brilliant general and reformer, but he was killed by the people who knew him best.

Julius Caesar's Rise to the Republic | Tony Robinson's Romans | Timeline

Apr 26, 2018 • Julius Caesar is one of the monumental figures of history. He forged the role of Emperor and was worshipped as a brilliant general and reformer, but he was killed by the people who knew him best.

G20 Summit in Rome Focuses on Climate Change, Coronavirus | DW News

Oct 30, 2021 • The G20 summit is underway in Rome as leaders from the world's major industrialized nations meet.

Outgoing German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is among the dignitaries who are in the Italian capital for the two-day gathering. Among the topics being discussed is the coronavirus pandemic - with emergency workers invited to join the leaders for a photo. Tackling global warming is also top of the agenda, ahead of the COP26 climate conference which begins on Sunday. Most of those attending the G20 in Rome will travel onward to Glasgow for that key UN climate summit.

It is Biden's first major European trip to meet world leaders as president. The devout Catholic keeps a photograph of Pope Francis on his desk at the White House. He met with his hero face-to-face at the Vatican.

For more than an hour, the two leaders spoke privately about climate change, the pandemic and poverty. The visit is the prequel of two major summits happening this weekend. In Rome, the G20 and in Glasgow the COP26 climate summit. Back home, Biden suffered a setback for his pricy infrastructure plan, which focuses in part on the environment.

But ahead of the G20, young people are pushing for action on the climate.

Getting more jabs in people's arms in rich and poor countries is also a priority at the first face-to-face summit since the pandemic hit. But before Biden joins in on the global cooperation to tackle monumental problems, he first had a very public Mea Culpa with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Biden apologized for the US's botched handling of a submarine deal with Australia, which cut out France. For his part Macron is ready to move forward. Both sides hope the rebuilding of trust will help bring about the change young people are marching for.

The Imaginary Disease – How Italian Doctors Saved Jews from the Nazis | DW Documentary

"Syndrome K" might be the only deadly disease that ever saved lives. Despite the fact that it never really existed.

This film tells the story of three courageous Roman Catholic doctors who saved Jewish lives at a hospital in Rome by means of a convincing lie: they told the Nazis their patients were infected with a highly fatal and contagious disease called Syndrome K.

This incredible story takes place during the Nazi occupation of Rome in October 1943. As Jewish people were being deported to Auschwitz, some Jews sought refuge in the Fatebenefratelli hospital. There, the doctors invented a disease to protect them. Advising their patients to fake symptoms, including coughing, when Nazi officers arrived to carry out inspections, these doctors declared the ward far too contagious for the soldiers to enter. The ruse worked.

Jewish survivors and one of the Italian doctors who carried out the plan were interviewed for this film. In combination with archival footage, these accounts make for a chilling, heroic WWII story.

What Did Ancient Rome Look Like? (Cinematic Animation)

What Did Ancient Rome Really Look Like? Ancient Rome reconstruction featuring realistic 3D animation.

Donald Trump Meets Pope Francis in Rome - BBC News

US President Donald Trump has met Pope Francis at the Vatican, on the third leg of US President's maiden overseas trip.

Long Live the EU! Brexit Vote Is 'Closed Nationalism' That Belongs In Past, Says Italian PM

THE GUARDIAN: Paolo Gentiloni speaks at Rome summit to celebrate EU’s 60th anniversary that reaffirmed leaders’ commitment to unity

Britain’s decision to leave the EU has been described by the Italian prime minister as “closed nationalism” that belongs in the past during a summit in Rome to celebrate the bloc’s 60th anniversary.

…

“Sixty years ago, recovering from the tragedy of two world wars, we decided to bond together and rebuild our continent from its ashes.

“We have built a unique union with common institutions and strong values, a community of peace, freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law, a major economic power with unparalleled levels of social protection and welfare. » | Daniel Boffey in Rome | Saturday, March 25, 2017

Muslims in Rome Protest Mosque Closures, Promise to Pray to Allah in Vatican

Italian Muslims say they will pray at Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican if officials continue to shut down mosques in Rome. That was reported after protests were held in the country's capital on Friday against the closure of a sixth mosque in just a few months.

Muslims Stage Massive Protest, Chanting ‘Allahu Akbar’ Outside Rome’s Colosseum

BREITBART.COM: Thousands of Muslims gathered in protest outside Rome’s Colosseum Friday after Italian authorities shut down a number of so-called “garage mosques” to avoid young people becoming radicalized.

The Muslim community of Rome chose the iconic Colosseum, a worldwide symbol of Christian persecution and martyrdom, to stage their demonstration against the alleged shutting down by police of illegal places of Muslim worship in the city.

An imam led the group in chanting “Allahu Akbar,” which means in Arabic “God is great,” as they prostrated themselves on the ground.

Many Roman citizens were visibly disturbed by the protest, noting that in its propaganda videos, the Islamic State has repeatedly employed images of the Colosseum when threatening to conquer Rome and the “Crusaders.” » | Thomas D Willams, PhD | Sunday, October 23, 2016

Robert Spencer on ISIS' Intent to Conquer Rome and Behead the Pope (2015)

I sat down recently with Robert Spencer, author of The Complete Infidel's Guide to ISIS, to discuss the terror group's plan for Rome. While the idea of ISIS conquering Rome may sound ridiculous, Quranic Muslims --not just in ISIS-- believe the fall of Rome must take place before the final battle against the infidel armies at Dabiq, Syria and the return of the Mahdi, the Muslim "messiah."

ISIS Threat to POPE: Fears for Holy Father as Terror Nuts Plot 'FINAL MASSACRE' in Rome

Pope Francis, who it is feared may be
next on ISIS's terror hit list

EXPRESS: EVIL Islamic State are plotting to kill POPE FRANCIS, the Vatican fears, after multiple propaganda videos threatening Rome were released by Daesh militants.

The Vatican has admitted it is a target for crazed jihadis due to its religious links. Any attack would send shivers across the globe.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin said recently the Vatican was considering whether to ramp up security.

He said: "The Vatican could be a target because of its religious significance.

"We are capable of increasing the level of security in the Vatican and the surrounding area.

"But we will not let ourselves be paralysed by fear."

Rome has been the subject of a number of threatening terror films released by the extremists in recent weeks.

It is thought the focus on Rome, and specifically the Vatican City, may be in response to the Pope's recent condemnation of the deadly terror attacks in Paris, as well as its status of the capital of the Catholic world. » | Joey Millar | Saturday, December 12, 2015

Italy: Roman Putin Supporters Laud Russia's Intervention in Syria

Around 50 people gathered at Piazza del Popolo in Rome, Saturday to support Vladimir Putin, and the Russian government for deploying armed forces to help assist the Assad government combat terrorism in Syria.

Boko Haram Sends Terrorists to Help ISIS Take Libya as Map Shows Horrifying Plan for World

One ISIS supporter posted this map on Twitter, boasting the
group will conquer Rome

EXPRESS: TERRORIST group Boko Haram has sent hundreds of fighters to Libya to help Islamic State (ISIS) conquer the wartorn country…and their next stop could be EUROPE.

The Nigerian-based fanatics have dispatched up to 200 heavily armed troops to bolster ISIS forces in north Africa in a terrifying sign of the growing alliance between the two feared groups.

ISIS is fighting to take control of Libya - which has been engulfed by a chaotic civil war since the fall of Colonel Gadaffi - because it believes that it is a launchpad to Europe.

Boosted by the deployment, gleeful ISIS fighters boasted online of how they will use their stronghold in the north African nation to invade Italy and other parts of southern Europe.

The terrorists have described Libya as the "gateway to Rome" and it is thought they are planning to stow away fighters on smugglers' boats full of migrants destined for Italy.

ISIS supporters posted a series of mocked up messages online showing the eternal city in flames and the black flag of their hate group flying above the Vatican.

One even posted a map showing the area the terror group was targeting, writing in French that its fighters will conquer Iran, Burma, Rome and even America. » | Nick Gutteridge | Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Op-Ed: Islam Wants to Convert Rome

ARUTZ SHEVA: There are three "Romes". Will each of them fall before the Islamic hordes? The Pope has already capitulated.

First the black flag of the Caliphate waving over the Vatican. Then the Colosseum in flames and a sea of blood that submerges it. Finally, the announcement of the Libyan caliphate that “we are south of Rome”.

In the propaganda videos of the Islamic State there are many prophecies about the fall and the conquest of Rome. There is a long Islamic tradition aiming at Rome, “Romiyyah”, aiming to make it the fourth holiest city of Islam (after Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem) and the base from which Islam will conquer the Western world. Rome is the greatest magnet of the mystical Islamic universe.

Roger Garaudy, the French intellectual who converted to Islam, in 1986 launched his challenge, boasting: “I’ll bring Islam to Rome”. The foundation of this prophecy is the thirtieth Sura of the Koran, called ar Rum, “Romans”. The fall of Rome is based on the myth of the Emperor Heraclius and a letter that he would have written to Muhammad, recognizing him as “the messenger of God”.

Ahmad ibn Hanbal, the founder of the Islamic Hanbali school (now in power in Saudi Arabia) reported among the “hadith”, the sayings of Muhammad, that the Prophet of Islam predicted that “the city of Heraclius (Constantinople) would fall first, then Rome”.

In 2003, Osama Bin Laden made a speech on “The new Rome” and three years later, in the footsteps of Pope Benedict’s Islamic speech at Regensburg University, Al Qaeda proclaimed: “Servants of the Cross, expect defeat, the Muslims will conquer Rome as they conquered Constantinople”. » | Giulio Meotti | Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Pope Francis Denounces Euthanasia as 'Sin against God'

Pope Francis delivers his speech during a special audience he
held for members of Catholic medical associations

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: The Pope strongly condemns the 'right to die' movement, and warns against abortion, IVF and stem cell research

Pope Francis denounced the right to die movement on Saturday, saying that euthanasia is a sin against God and creation.

The Latin American pontiff said it was a “false sense of compassion” to consider euthanasia as an act of dignity.

Earlier this month, the Vatican’s top bioethics official condemned as “reprehensible” the death by assisted suicide of a 29-year-old American woman, Brittany Maynard, who was suffering terminal brain cancer and said she wanted to die with dignity.

“This woman (took her own life) thinking she would die with dignity, but this is the error,” said Monsignor Ignacio Carrasco de Paula, the head of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

“Suicide is ... a bad thing because it is saying no to life and to everything it means with respect to our mission in the world and towards those around us,” he said, describing assisted suicide as “an absurdity”. » | Nick Squires, Rome | Saturday, November 15, 2014

Now ISIS Boasts About Invading the Vatican: Propaganda Magazine Says Terrorists Will 'Conquer' Rome and 'Break Your Crosses'

MAIL ONLINE: ISIS publishes picture in Dabiq of their black flag flying above the Vatican / Militants' flag superimposed in magazine on obelisk in St Peter’s Square / Its article also urges Muslims to attack and kill 'every Crusader possible'

Islamic State jihadis today issued a clear threat to the heart of Christianity, as they published an image of their black flag flying above the Vatican.

In a picture on the cover of their official magazine showing a mock-up of Caliphate-controlled Rome, the militants’ flag is superimposed on the obelisk in St Peter’s Square.

It is the front cover of the fourth edition of the ISIS online propaganda magazine Dabiq, which calls in its latest issue for a war against the Catholic Church.

While the headline reads The Failed Crusade, the article threatens to ‘conquer’ Rome and ‘break your crosses’.

The article in Dabiq - named after a town in northern Syria where in 1516 the Ottomans defeated the Mamluks, establishing the last Islamic caliphate - also urged faithful Muslims to attack and kill ‘every Crusader possible’.

It added that ‘it is lawful to kidnap the women of the infidels and use them as sex slaves’. » | Hannah Roberts for MailOnline in Rome | Monday, October 13, 2014