Pope Francis leads prayers for avalanche victims

With Russia in retreat on the battlefield, Russian President Vladimir Putin raised the stakes on Wednesday with the announcement that Russian reservists would be mobilised and referendums held in areas of Ukraine on joining Russia, all while he made threats to the West.

At the head of a right-wing coalition, far-right Brothers of Italy leader Giorgia Meloni is gearing up to become Italy's new head of government. On the economic front, she'll be faced with rising consumer prices as well as the ongoing issue of national debt.

EU policymakers remain divided over how best to deal with the ongoing energy crisis. High prices are affecting households and businesses across the bloc, including Italy's storied textiles industry, as our correspondents report.

Italy's right-wing bloc is expected to succeed Mario Draghi's administration after winning in the general election. If negotiations go smoothly, a new Cabinet could be sworn in over the weekend.

Addressing parliament for the first time as prime minister, the leader of a neofascist party said she "never felt sympathy or closeness to undemocratic regimes" and affirmed Italy's position as an EU and NATO member.

Italy granted rescue ship Humanity 1 access to a port in Sicily, but dozens of male migrants were barred from disembarkment. Only minors and those in need of medical care were allowed to enter.

Three men onboard the Geo Barents vessel leapt into the water in the port of Catania, but were then quickly pulled from the water. Refugee rights groups have called on Italy to follow international law.

About 500 migrants stranded at the Italian coast on rescue ships were allowed to disembark. Another ship was sent to France, but the situation sparked tensions between the countries.

Dating back to the 2nd century BC, more than 20 bronze statues discovered during excavations in a thermal resort in Tuscany is one of the finds of the century.

France's interior minister has sharply criticized Rome for refusing to allow the ship to dock at an Italian port. He announced France is suspending plans to take in 3,500 migrants from Italy.

A tsunami warning has been issued following a 7.5 magnitude earthquake near the Pacific island of Tonga. The government has warned residents to seek high ground.

France has criticized Italy for refusing to take in more than 200 migrants. Paris said Rome's actions were "incomprehensible" but Prime Minister Meloni said she was surprised by the French government's "aggressive" tone.