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Catania-Fontanarossa airport remains closed until 23:59 on 27 September due to volcanic activity on Mount Etna, with significant ash emissions disrupting flights. The situation has led to congestion at other Sicilian airports, raising concerns over inflated air fares and a lack of contingency planning for such events.

As Oktoberfest reaches its halfway point this weekend, organisers are implementing enhanced crowd management measures to prevent overcrowding, following last year’s severe incidents. The “Italian weekend” sees a significant influx of visitors, prompting the use of AI and surveillance technology to ensure safety at the event.

Pope Leo began his pilgrimage in Lourdes, offering a prayer at the Grotto of the Apparitions, a significant site where Catholics believe the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858. This location remains one of the most-visited shrines in the Catholic faith.

Six people have died after a building collapsed in Athens due to an explosion on Friday morning. The victims include four US tourists and a British man, aged 78, living on the second floor. Search operations involved around 30 firefighters and specialised equipment, while authorities investigate the cause.

Protesters rallied outside Granada city hall on Thursday, advocating for 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal, evicted from her Madrid apartment on September 23. Demonstrations in her support, sparked by rising housing costs, took place across Spain, highlighting concerns for older tenants and escalating housing affordability issues.

Pope Leo XIV cautioned against the dangers of artificial intelligence during a speech at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters, emphasising that technology must serve humanity. He warned of potential dehumanisation and called for safeguards, particularly for vulnerable children, amidst broader discussions on technology’s impact on society.

A new Italian law bans pupils from covering their faces in schools and restricts the presence of non-Italian nationals in certain classes. Additionally, parents must learn basic Italian, aiming to promote integration and language skills within the education system.

Former RT France chief Xenia Fedorova has been placed under EU sanctions for her alleged role in spreading pro-Kremlin narratives. The Council accused her of disseminating disinformation related to Russia’s actions in Ukraine, which now triggers an asset freeze and travel ban across all EU member states.

French President Emmanuel Macron has denied allegations that the CIA warned France about a potential Russian drone operation targeting southern Europe. Macron stated, “We can deny this piece of information,” aligning with Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, who also refuted the claims as unverified and harmful.

The European Union will affirm its condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine during the upcoming G20 summit in Miami, irrespective of President Vladimir Putin’s attendance. EU officials stress the necessity of addressing global challenges exacerbated by the war, maintaining a firm stance against Russia’s actions.