Best Wishes for 2026
2025 was an intense year, marked by events that put societies, institutions, and people to the test: international crises, social tensions, episodes of violence, but also moments of collective participation, culture, work, and solidarity. It was a year that reminded us how fragile the world is, but also how strong the ability of communities is to resist, adapt, and move forward.
For the year 2026, our wish is a simple but essential one: that the conflicts still ongoing may finally find a path toward resolution. That wars may give way to dialogue, reconstruction, and the protection of civilian lives, and that peace may once again become a concrete and shared goal, not just a word.
And again, we hope there will be greater attention to safe and dignified work, the protection of rights, the reduction of inequalities, and the enhancement of culture and everyday life. May it be a year capable of learning from the difficulties just experienced and of transforming them into awareness, responsibility, and better choices.
With this spirit, we retrace the main events of 2025: not only to remember what happened, but to understand the present and look to the future with greater clarity and hope.
JANUARY 2025
On January 1, 2025, the Holy Door of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome is opened. This marks the beginning of the Jubilee Year 2025: millions of pilgrims are expected throughout the year, with a major impact on tourism, employment, and the cultural economy (an estimated 30–35 million pilgrims). In truth, the Jubilee officially began on December 24, 2024, with the opening of the Holy Door at St. Peter’s.
On January 10, 2025, Nicolás Maduro is sworn in for a new six-year term as President of Venezuela, amid strong international criticism and allegations of electoral irregularities.
On January 20, Donald Trump is inaugurated as the 47th President of the United States. He signs more than 20 executive orders in the first days of his term and announces an “America First 2.0” trade policy, promising new generalized tariffs against China, the EU, and other partners.
For the record, femicides begin, with around 10 cases in the month of January alone.
Strikes also begin, first and foremost the national public transport strike (TPL), causing disruption for millions of users.
FEBRUARY 2025
In the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump mocks and publicly accuses Zelensky of hindering the end of the conflict, creating a serious diplomatic crisis.
The 2025 Sanremo Music Festival reaches its 75th edition. The event takes place from February 11 to 15. The singer Olly wins with the song “Balorda nostalgia”; in second place is Lucio Corsi with “Volevo essere un duro,” who will participate in Eurovision in Basel in place of the renouncing Olly, finishing in fifth place. Hosting and artistic direction are entrusted to Carlo Conti. Average viewership is around 10–11 million viewers per night, with a 66% share.
At the end of the month, Milan Fashion Week begins, featuring runway shows by Prada, Armani, and other major fashion houses.
MARCH 2025
On March 11, the Garlasco case is reopened through a formal judicial initiative, attracting enormous media attention that continues to this day. According to prosecutors, new elements have emerged regarding the 2007 death of Chiara Poggi, which led to the definitive conviction of her boyfriend in 2015. The debate on justice and the review of trials is reignited.
The war in Ukraine continues: no breakthrough, but an increase in European diplomatic efforts. UN estimates speak of over 500,000 total victims, including dead and wounded, since February 2022.
Domestic violence increases: there are reports of 3,000–3,500 warnings issued in the first three months of the year. These are administrative (non-criminal) measures triggered before a serious offense occurs, following a report by the victim, and requiring the perpetrator to immediately cease violent or stalking behavior. By the end of the year, the number of warnings will reach 12,000–13,000; nevertheless, the death toll remains high, with more than 85 victims according to observers such as “Non Una di Meno.
After his reinstallation, U.S. President Donald Trump launches a tariff war, introducing punitive tariffs against China, the EU, and other trading partners.
APRIL 2025
On April 21, 2025, Easter Monday, at 7:35 a.m., Pope Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio on December 17, 1936, and elected Pope on March 13, 2013, passes away. His funeral is held on April 26 in St. Peter’s Square. His remains rest in the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome.
Easter is celebrated on April 20 with strong domestic and international tourism, up 8–10% compared to 2024.
An increase in corruption investigations is recorded: in 2025 there will be approximately 80–90 investigations in total.
MAY 2025
On May 7, 2025, the Conclave opens to elect the new pontiff. On May 8, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost is elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. He is the first American pontiff in the history of the Catholic Church.
The debate over major infrastructure projects reignites, particularly regarding the Bridge over the Strait of Messina, relaunched by the government as a strategic national infrastructure. The estimated cost exceeds 10 billion euros.
Spring tourism grows by 5% compared to 2024.
Serious workplace accidents are recorded: about 120 deaths in the first five months of the year. By the end of the year, they will be nearly 1,500.
Work accelerates on preparations for the Milan–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, with investments estimated at around 3 billion euros.
On the trade union front, metalworkers’ strikes continue over the renewal of the collective labor agreement (CCNL).
JUNE 2025
On June 8 and 9, a referendum on labor and citizenship is held. Turnout is the lowest ever, around 30%, and the quorum is not reached.
The first heat waves are recorded, with temperatures exceeding 38°C.
On June 12, an air tragedy occurs: an Air India flight crashes during takeoff, causing 270 victims among passengers and people on the ground.
Diplomatic steps are recorded between the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Rwanda toward a possible pacification of the Kivu region, still fragile.
JULY 2025
Intense heat waves continue, leading to an increase in emergency room visits. In Turkey, record temperatures above 50°C are recorded.
Italian seaside and mountain tourism returns close to pre-Covid record levels.
On July 8, the Council of the European Union approves Bulgaria’s accession to the Eurozone starting January 1, 2026.
An earthquake of magnitude 8.8 strikes Kamchatka, Russia, generating a tsunami alert. An earthquake of this magnitude would be among the strongest ever recorded.
Between July 23 and 28, armed clashes occur between Thailand and Cambodia, causing casualties and displaced persons. This is a geopolitically significant event but one that received limited media coverage.
AUGUST 2025
On August 3, Pope Leo XIV presides over the concluding Mass of the Jubilee of Youth at Tor Vergata, in Rome.
Italy is in peak tourist season. Wildfires are recorded, with thousands of hectares affected.
In Ukraine, missile and drone attacks on Kyiv continue, while diplomatic efforts persist.
SEPTEMBER 2025
Around 8 million students return to school. Parliamentary activity resumes with the discussion of the 2026 Budget Law.
In Nepal, youth protests erupt, leading to the resignation of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.
On September 9, a shooting in Jerusalem causes at least six deaths.
On September 28, federal elections are held in Germany: the CDU/CSU coalition wins, with Friedrich Merz as chancellor candidate.
OCTOBER 2025
On October 10, a temporary truce between Israel and Hamas is announced to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and the exchange of prisoners.
At the end of the month, Israel approves new settlements in the West Bank, despite international condemnation.
From October 5 to 26, the 20th edition of the Rome Film Festival takes place.
NOVEMBER 2025
Between November 4 and 5, a Supermoon occurs, while on November 8 the comet C/2025 A6 (Lemmon) reaches perihelion.
On November 28, demonstrators attack the headquarters of the newspaper La Stampa in Turin. This is followed by unanimous condemnation from institutions.
Strikes continue against the public finance maneuver.
DECEMBER 2025
On December 14, in Sydney, an antisemitic attack during Hanukkah at Bondi Beach causes 15 deaths.
In Italy, the death toll from workplace accidents reaches approximately 1,450.
The Jubilee closes with around 30 million pilgrims, fewer than initially estimated.
The 2026 Budget Law is approved with measures totaling 22 billion euros, including fiscal and pension changes and investment incentives.
The United States intensifies economic pressure and sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector, targeting companies and tankers linked to the regime as part of a strategy to weaken the Maduro government. Later, on January 3, 2026, a large-scale U.S. military operation strikes Caracas and captures President Nicolás Maduro and his wife; both are transferred to the United States, where they will be tried on charges of narco-terrorism and drug trafficking. International law is thus upended.