Ruth Sherlock
👤 SpeakerAppearances Over Time
Podcast Appearances
In recent years, the piazza beside it is often so crowded there's little room to move.
This year, the fountain had some 9 million visitors, according to Rome's mayor.
So, Rome plans to charge from February a 2 euro tourist tax for any non-resident wanting access to the fountain.
It estimates it will make some $7.6 million in annual revenue.
It's part of a broader effort by the Italian government to capitalise on the country's famed heritage.
For example, Verona this month began charging for access to the balcony in the northern Italian city that is associated with Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
Pope Leo remembered in his address his predecessor, Pope Francis.
His prophetic voice, his pastoral style and his rich teachings have defined the path of the Church in these years, Leo said, encouraging us to place God's mercy at the centre.
He said the Church should be welcoming to all and caring for the poor.
Francis, who led the 1.4 billion member Catholic Church for 12 years, had been known to use these annual Christmas addresses to scathingly critique the work of his cardinals.
Leo, who is more diplomatic, was much gentler.
He warned officials only not to allow rigidity or ideology to slow progress for the church.
Ursula von der Leyen is responding to attacks on Europe made in the Trump administration's new national security strategy.
The public document describes Europe as a decaying group of nations and says the US should, quote, cultivate resistance within these countries to policies and governing bodies the US disagrees with, such as the European Union.
Speaking at an event organised by the media company Politico, von der Leyen said the sovereignty of voters in Europe must be protected.
and that, quote, nobody else is supposed to interfere.
She said the Trump administration's stance is one reason why the EU is trying to set up a, quote, democracy shield project meant to fight against foreign interference online, including in elections.