First reports indicate strong support for alliance led by Pier Luigi Bersani’s Democratic party and bloody nose for Mario Monti
Journalism
Pope considering response to alleged ‘inappropriate acts’ by UK cardinal
Vatican confirms priests’ written allegations against Cardinal Keith O’Brien have been received and issue is in pontiff’s hands
Italy elections: an end to sleaze and cronyism?
Results circulating on internet show abrupt surge in support for Five Star Movement, which wants to reboot Italian politics
Vatican dismisses reports linking pope’s resignation to gay conclave discovery
Pope Benedict talks of ‘evil, suffering and corruption’ in the world in remarks to Vatican Curia as he prepares to vacate papacy
Charlemagne: Beppe Grillo, a rising star?
The tomfoolery that endlessly surrounds Berlusconi is being overshadowed by something even more attention-grabbing: the climatic rally of the campaign mounted by Beppe Grillo
Italian elections: why we should worry
Q&A on how the Italian elections this weekend could reignite the eurozone crisis and affect the world economy
Pinocchio’s heirs
Charlemagne: Who has the longest nose in Italian politics?
Italian election: L’Aquila’s voters search in vain for a saviour
Historic town devastated by the 2009 earthquake is symbolic of a country seemingly incapable of recovery
Benedict resignation linked to inquiry into ‘Vatican gay officials’, says paper
Pope’s staff decline to confirm or deny La Repubblica claims linking ‘Vatileaks’ affair and discovery of ‘blackmailed gay clergy’
Italian elections: right, left or back to square one
Don’t understand the Italian elections? Here is an interactive guide to five scenarios – and what they mean for Italy, the euro and bunga bunga parties