Topic: Rome (Italy)

Italy eyes ex-CIA spook's extradition, complicating US ties

Panamanian authorities detained Robert Seldon Lady on request from Italy, which convicted him for the 2003 'rendition' kidnapping of a cleric in Milan.

Pope Francis greets immigrants, blasts indifference over migration deaths

On Pope Francis's first visit outside Rome, to a tiny Sicilian island that is the primary point of entry into Europe for African migrants, Pope Francis challenged everyone to take responsibility for the migrants' desperation, urging them not to have 'anesthesia of the heart.'

'Sopranos' star James Gandolfini challenged mobster stereotype

The actor who played Tony Soprano was remembered for his talent and his respect for others by HBO, the channel which aired the hit series 'The Sopranos,' in a statement released Wednesday. Gandolfini had a varied career from Broadway to television and film.

10 biggest US foundations and what they do

What are the 10 biggest foundations in the United States? Here they are in ascending order, based on their assets, along with a little bit about what social problems each addresses.

Editor's Blog The greening of the West

Long the province of mountain men and rugged individualists, the Intermountain West is drawing a new generation of entrepreneurs, knowledge workers, and venture capitalists keen on experiencing the region's natural wonders while staying connected to the global economy.

Cardinal: Sexual misconduct behind his departure from Scotland

Cardinal sexual misconduct: Cardinal Keith O'Brien, who resigned as archbishop after admitting to sexual misconduct, is leaving Scotland for "spiritual renewal, prayer and penance."

Culture Cafe 'How I Met Your Mother' recap: The season finale includes a big surprise for fans

'How I Met Your Mother' aired its season finale May 13 and provided the answer to the longest mystery on the show. 'How I Met Your Mother' is a CBS comedy.

Terrorism & Security US and Russia team up to make fresh diplomatic push on Syria

US Secretary of State Kerry and Russia's Foreign Minister Lavrov say they hope to convene an international conference on Syria later in May. The US has also stepped up humanitarian aid.

Former Italian premier Giulio Andreotti dies, state TV says

Giulio Andreotti, who helped Italy rebuild after World War II, passed away Monday. Andreotti served in the Italian parliament for six decades and as premier for seven terms.

Ex-Pope Benedict returns to Vatican, welcomed by his successor Francis

Benedict XVI moved back to the Vatican on Thursday to live out retirement as neighbors with ruling Pope Francis for the first time. 'He is happy to be back at the Vatican ... where he intends to dedicate himself to the service of the Church, above all with prayer,' a Vatican statement said.

Team of rivals: Italy, finally, forms new government (+video)

Center-left leader Enrico Letta will be Italy's new prime minister, after his party formed a coalition government with former Premier Silvio Berlusconi's conservatives.

Italians move northward to trade 'la dolce vita' for 'das süsse Leben'

Italian emigration jumped 30 percent from 2011 to 2012, with Germany and Switzerland the most popular destination for Italians looking for work.

Culture Cafe Kevin Bacon apology: The actor said sorry for tweeting a key 'Following' spoiler

Kevin Bacon offered an apology to fans on his Twitter page and website for retweeting a comment that gave away a 'Following' plot twist. 'I just wasn't thinking,' Kevin Bacon wrote in his apology, 'Won't happen again.'

Bestselling books the week of 4/8/13, according to IndieBound*

What's selling best in independent bookstores across America.

Chapter & Verse Grand Central Station turns 100

In his new book, writer Anthony W. Robins discusses the legendary station's architecture, how New York almost lost this masterpiece, and what the future holds for Grand Central.

Chaplain, Korean War hero, to receive medal of honor 62 years after his death

Chaplain Emil Kapaun was credited with saving hundreds of soldiers during the Korean War and received the Distinguished Service Cross and many other medals. On April 11 President Barack Obama will award him the Medal of Honor posthumously.

Victims' groups cool to Pope Francis's first comments on abuse scandal

On Friday, the new pope addressed the child abuse scandal for the first time since his election, calling for a continuation of his predecessor's unpopular approach.

Is furor over football coach's 'fascism' really a sign of Britain's progress?

Newly signed Sunderland manager Paulo Di Canio denied that he supported fascism, in response to criticism for past pro-fascism statements and straight-arm salutes he made as a player.

Is Lance Armstrong's swimming career sunk, too?

Lance Armstrong has been branching out since the doping controversy that got him expelled from competitive cycling, but his tarnished legacy may drown his competitive swimming ambitions.

William Shakespeare: tax dodger, shady businessman?

William Shakespeare avoided paying taxes and hoarded grain during famine, according to researchers. They argue that William Shakespeare the grain hoarder has been has been 'redacted from history so that Shakespeare the creative genius could be born.'

Iraq's Christians face hardship, but peaceful Easter also highlights promise

War and persecution by newly empowered Islamist forces drove Iraq's Christians away, halving the population of the once-thriving community. But a new Christian leader vows to rebuild.

In Easter message Pope Francis calls for peace

Pope Francis emphasized his concern for the poor and suffering, and delivered a plea for peace in the Middle East and on the Korean peninsula during his first Easter Sunday Mass.

In the Holy Land's columns, frescoes, and desert palaces, Herod the Great lives on

King Herod is best known to Christians for trying to kill the infant Jesus. But he also left his mark with stunning architectural achievements, as seen in a new exhibit at the Israel Museum.

Pope Francis connects with crowd after first window appearance (+video)

The new leader for the world's Catholics gave a short speech in Italian from his window, a traditional Sunday duty of popes.

In interviews, new Pope Francis confirms commitment to poor