Clandestine Workshop Producing Fake Picassos and Rembrandts Unearthed in Rome

Italy's national union for journalists has initiated legal action against Giorgia Meloni’s government following claims it improperly utilized spyware to hack the phones of critics rather than criminals. This complaint, submitted to prosecutors in Rome on Wednesday, comes after revelations in late January that several political activists and journalists, including Francesco Cancellato, had their mobile devices targeted by unauthorized parties using Paragon’s Graphite spyware, known for military applications. According to the Guardian, the government has not clarified its position since the allegations surfaced. Lorenzo Fontana, the president of the Italian parliament, has restricted discussions in parliament regarding these claims, asserting prior information has been disclosed and further details are classified. Meloni's office has denied that any government entities were involved in the alleged surveillance. Critics, including former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi, have condemned the government's avoidance of oversight as a threat to democracy. Legal experts caution that the use of such spyware against citizens violates constitutional protections. The ongoing investigation seeks to determine accountability and the scope of spying on dissenting voices in Italy.

Pope Francis, 88, has been diagnosed with bilateral pneumonia, raising significant health concerns, according to reports from the Vatican. The pontiff is currently receiving treatment at the Gemelli Hospital in Rome, where worried believers have gathered to pray, sing, and light candles for his recovery. Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni indicated that the Pope had a "calm night," woke up, and had breakfast on Wednesday, attempting to reassure the public amid rising anxieties about his condition. However, this statement echoes similar updates made over the past five days as the Pope remained hospitalized. Previously, Bruni had conveyed that the pontiff was in "good spirits," reading newspapers, and handling paperwork, despite the severe nature of his illness. Notably, on Tuesday, Pope Francis accepted the resignation of a Canadian bishop implicated in a sexual abuse scandal, demonstrating his engagement with church matters despite his health issues. The Vatican reportedly aims to depict the Pope as capable of fulfilling his duties even while undergoing treatment, in light of increasing apprehensions regarding his well-being.

Pope Francis, 88, has been hospitalized at Rome's Gemelli hospital, often referred to as “Vatican III,” for treatment of bronchitis. This marks the fourth visit for the pontiff since 2021, with his most recent admission occurring on February 17, 2025. The hospital, favored by popes, was nicknamed by Pope John Paul II, who spent considerable time there during his papacy. John Paul II underwent extensive treatment at Gemelli, making nine visits and spending 153 days overall. He humorously designated St Peter’s Square as “Vatican number one” and Castel Gandolfo as “number two.” The hospital has a unique history with the papacy, as it had to establish a mini-residence on-site due to the prolonged stays of popes. Pope Benedict XVI, Francis's predecessor, never received treatment there. According to reports, Francis's current treatment aligns with his medical history, which includes hernia surgery in June 2023 and previous respiratory issues. The Pope's hospitalization at Gemelli highlights its longstanding association with papal care.