A top Italian maternity hospital has drawn criticism from right-wing politicians by replacing crucifixes on the walls of its wards with images of the Virgin Mary so as not to offend immigrant women giving birth there.

Benedict occasionally wears a fur-trimmed hat called a “camauro,” headgear popular with pontiffs in the 17th century. He has also donned a red velvet cape trimmed in ermine.

It’s a situation that has been confounding the Diocese of Rome, the very heart of the Roman Catholic world: The magnificent churches of the city center serve more as museums than houses of prayer, while many among the burgeoning throngs of the faithful in the scrappy outskirts of town are forced to worship in garages, former grocery stores, or prefab buildings.

The Roman official explained that satanic groups have become a significant concern for law-enforcement officials because of their involvement in drug trafficking and sexual violence.

Italian police codebreakers are turning to the Bible in their efforts to get at the many secrets of the mafia's "boss of bosses".

VITERBO, Italy (AP) — An Italian judge heard arguments Friday on whether a small-town parish priest should stand trial for asserting that Jesus Christ existed.

An Italian judge has ordered a priest to appear in court this month to prove that Jesus Christ existed.

A row over the display of religious symbols in public places in Italy was re-ignited yesterday after a statue of Buddha was erected on one of the highest peaks in the Alps.

Italy has banned Islamic burqas under tough terrorism laws that provide two-year jail terms and E2000 ($3200) fines for anyone caught covering their face in a public place.