Rome

Gold prices rose amid concerns about rising US debt and weak demand for 20-year bonds. A year of highs around $3450-3500 is expected.

Giorgia Meloni met with the US Vice President and the head of the European Commission against the background of trade tensions. Italy is acting as a mediator to restore Western unity.

The meeting took place against the background of concerns about Trump's planned conversation with Putin, where the conditions for ending the war in Ukraine will be discussed. Zelenskyy seeks to avoid imposing unacceptable conditions.

The President of the European Commission and the Vice President of the United States held a meeting in Rome, discussing trade issues and the situation in Ukraine. They expressed a shared desire for a just and lasting peace.

The President of Ukraine met with US representatives in Rome, discussing diplomacy, sanctions, defense cooperation, and prisoner exchange. He emphasized the importance of pressure on Russia.

In Rome, Zelenskyy met with representatives from the US and Europe. The cessation of the war in Ukraine was discussed ahead of Trump's talks with Putin and NATO leaders.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced the continuation of pressure on Russia due to its aggression in Ukraine. He also called on Italy to take a more active part in European efforts.

Pope Leo XIV officially became the head of the church. Guests and believers gathered in St. Peter's Square to attend the solemn mass and congratulate the new pontiff.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney met with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Rome and reaffirmed Canada's support for Ukraine. He stressed that Russia must agree to peace talks.

The President of Ukraine met with the President of Switzerland in Rome. They discussed increasing pressure on Russia, humanitarian aid, and the participation of Swiss companies in the reconstruction of Ukraine.

The Vatican has announced that Pope Leo XIV will officially take the Holy See on May 18. About 250,000 pilgrims will attend the inaugural mass, and more than 5,000 law enforcement officers will provide security.

Real Madrid have announced the signing of defender Dean Heysen. Bournemouth are ready to sell Zabarny for €59.5 million, with Newcastle and Manchester City interested.

British Defense Minister John Healey has admitted the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine. He made the statement following a meeting with colleagues in Rome, but did not provide details.

In Ankara, the presidents of Ukraine and Turkey discussed security guarantees, including in the Black Sea. They also discussed the reconstruction of Ukraine with the participation of Turkish companies.

The President stated that Kyiv will not discuss territorial issues, as it violates the Constitution. Ukraine is ready to discuss humanitarian crises and restoration of integrity.

US Vice President J. D. Vance will visit the Vatican for the second time in a few months. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will also attend the Mass on the occasion of the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy may travel to the enthronement of Pope Leo XIV on May 18. According to Yermak, Rome is a wonderful place to meet with foreign leaders.

The European Union is discussing how to avoid Hungary blocking negotiations on Ukraine's accession. Brussels is looking for ways to circumvent the veto needed to open and conclude negotiations.

The Weimar+ group of countries called on Russia for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine. They promise support for Kyiv, strengthening the army and security guarantees.

The defense ministers of Italy, Germany, France, Poland, and Great Britain will meet to discuss support for Ukraine. After the meeting, a joint press conference will be held.

The Catholic Church owns billions of dollars in assets, including tens of thousands of properties worldwide, earning income from donations, real estate and investments. Total profit in 2023 amounted to more than $52 million.

The newly elected Pope Leo XIV addressed the faithful with a call for peace, continuing the blessing of Pope Francis. He emphasized the importance of unity and fearless proclamation of the Gospel.

The successor to Pope Francis has not been elected in the Vatican. The longest conclave in history lasted 1006 days, and the shortest only three hours.

Timothée Chalamet emphasized the impact of Luca Guadagnino's film "Call Me by Your Name" on his career, while receiving the Italian David di Donatello Award for cinematic excellence during the 70th award ceremony on Wednesday evening at the Cinecittá studio in Rome with Kylie Jenner. It was their first red carpet appearance in two years.

The conclave of cardinals of the Catholic Church has begun in Rome to elect the Pope after the death of Francis. The cardinals have taken an oath and from now on cannot communicate with the outside world.

Ursula von der Leyen called for speeding up Ukraine's accession to the EU, calling it a guarantee of peace. The EU is working to open the first cluster of accession negotiations in 2025.

Near Torchiarolo, Italy, 21-year-old Karina Ryzhkova died in an accident. The driver of the Porsche 911 lost control at a speed of 250 km/h, and the car crashed into a tree.

The tenth meeting of cardinals took place in the Vatican, where they discussed the role of the Vatican, the Church's mission, and the challenges of transmitting the faith. All cardinal electors have already arrived in Rome to participate in the conclave.

Philippine Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle is called the "Asian Francis" because of his resemblance to the late Pope. He is one of the likely candidates for the papacy.

Ukraine plans to prepare a law on multiple citizenship by the end of 2025, which will allow having passports of several countries. A platform is also being developed to support Ukrainians abroad.