Giuseppe Conte Archives

Italy’s ‘Super Mario,’ set to become PM, is a close friend of the Jesuits

Feb 4, 2021

As Italy’s politicians decide whether or not to embrace Mario Draghi as the country’s new leader, they’ll make that decision knowing he’s got the tacit blessing of the Vatican and Pope Francis.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Catholics may have a rooting interest in Italy’s favorite indoor sport

Jan 27, 2021

Tuesday morning, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte met with the President of the Republic, veteran statesman Sergio Mattarella, to submit his resignation. It’s up to Mattarella to decide whether to invite Conte to try to form a new government, to invite someone else to do it, or to call for new elections.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Vatican’s got skin in the game in Italy’s current political drama

Jan 19, 2021

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte faces a crucial no-confidence vote in the senate today, and the Vatican will be watching with interest.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope may be key to preserving Italy’s social compact on abortion

Aug 10, 2020

For almost four decades, Italy has had a basic social compact on abortion: Women and doctors aren’t going to jail over abortion, but it’s not going to be “anything goes” either.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Unpacking the “Italy good, America bad” meme on the coronavirus

Aug 9, 2020

For most of my adult life, Italy has been a global exemplar of how not to run a country, struggling to provide even basic public services such as garbage collection or fixing potholes. Now all of a sudden, Italy has become a case study in efficiency and leadership.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Church/state deal means Mass will be back in Italy on May 18

May 8, 2020

Italian bishops announced Thursday a deal with the government to resume public Mass on Monday, May 18, which means the first Sunday Mass to be reopened will be May 24, which in Italy is the Feast of the Ascension.

By John L. Allen Jr.

‘How’ of going back to Mass may be just as messy as ‘when’

May 7, 2020

If early returns are any indication, the way in which the Mass ban is lifted may turn out to be just as controversial, and just as messy, as imposing it in the first place.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Italian government issues rules for funerals as lockdown eases

Apr 30, 2020

While the Italian bishops and government officials continue negotiating a way to resume the public celebration of Masses, the government provided guidelines that permit the celebration of funerals beginning May 4.

By Cindy Wooden