America's top diplomat Marco Rubio will visit the first US pope, Leo XIV, on Thursday, seeking to ease tensions between Washington and the Vatican while also promoting President Donald Trump's interests.

Protests over Russian presence as Venice Biennale opens, Pope Leo holds firm on Iran as US secretary of state arrives in Rome, and more news on Thursday.

As jet fuel costs soar due to the Iran war, some airlines flying to Italy are among those finding new ways to pass costs on to passengers.

Summer seemed to arrive early in Italy this year, but the balmy temperatures were abruptly replaced by heavy rain and more storms forecast over the coming week.

The US has given the European Union an ultimatum - grant access to sensitive police data or else lose access to visa-free travel for EU citizens.