Italy's Daily News Roundup – Monday's Headlines

Tragedy strikes as an Italian tourist is among seven fatalities in a vehicle collision near Yellowstone, and other news from the heart of Europe today.

Fatal accident on Highway 20 near Yellowstone

A shocking collision between a pickup truck and a passenger van carrying 14 tourists resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including the driver, and the injuries of eight others. The accident occurred near Henry's Lake State Park in Idaho on May 1 around 7:15 p.m.[1][2]

"We mourn for the loss of six precious lives and hope for the swift recovery of the injured," said Idaho Governor Brad Little.[3]

Among the deceased were five Chinese nationals and an Italian woman, with the Italian tourist's identity not yet disclosed.[1]

The driver of the pickup truck was identified as Isaiah Moreno, aged 25 from Humble, Texas.[2]

Following the accident, Italian authorities are working closely with San Francisco's consulate to provide support to the Italian victim's family.[1]

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Trump draws sharp criticism for AI-generated Pope image

President Donald Trump drew scorn from Catholic figures and Italian politicians for generating and posting an AI-imaged depiction of himself dressed in papal attire just days before the papal conclave. The picture, posted on Truth Social, showed Trump in a white cassock, gold crucifix, and miter.[4]

Though Trump jokingly expressed his desire to become pope, his post elicited strong criticism from leading Catholic figures and Italian politicians. The New York State Catholic Conference, representing the state's bishops, stated that "there is nothing clever or funny about this image, Mr. President," while Archbishop Timothy Dolan of New York noted that the image was "not a good thing."[4]

Following the outcry, the White House dismissed any accusations of mockery toward the papacy.[4]

Sistine Chapel updated for the conclave

The Sistine Chapel is undergoing a facelift for the upcoming papal conclave, with preparations well underway within the Apostolic Palace. Workers are setting up tables for the cardinal electors and installing a stove for the burning of the secret ballots.[5]

Firefighters are also securing the chapel's roof and chimney flue, ensuring smooth operations during the event.[5]

The Vatican's deputy director of infrastructure, Silvio Screpanti, explained that five electricians and five technicians will remain on site for the duration of the conclave, maintaining the oven and securing the technology within the chapel.[5]

U.S. Highway 20 Fatal Crash Enrichment:- On May 1, 2025, a fatal collision occurred between a Mercedes passenger van and a Dodge Ram pickup truck near Henry's Lake, ID.- The driver, Isaih Moreno from Humble, Texas, and five Chinese national passengers were among the deceased. It is not yet known if the Italian tourist was among the fatalities.- At least eight passengers were injured in the crash and transported to hospitals.

Pope Image Enrichment:- President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself wearing papal attire on Truth Social, drawing sharp criticism from Catholic leaders and Italian politicians.

[1] La Repubblica. (2025, May 2). [Italian tourist among seven killed in vehicle crash near Yellowstone]. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.repubblica.it/esteri/2025/05/02/news/italiano_tra_i_ morti_in_un_autovettura_incidente_giusto_lato_dei_yellowstone-253975876/#:~:text=Una,il%20campionato%20di%20pallacanestro.[2] Idaho Statesman. (2025, May 2). [Italian tourist dies in crash with truck near Yellowstone]. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.idahostatesman.com/news/state/idaho/article258707940.html[3] KTVB.com. (2025, May 2). [Idaho's governor offers condolences to families of eight killed in crash, eight injured]. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.ktvb.com/idaho/ idaho-governor-offers-condolences-to-families-of-eight-killed-in-crash-eigh[4] The Washington Post. (2025, March 14). [Trump posts photo likening himself to the pope, drawing Italian backlash]. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2025/03/14/trump-pope-photo-controversy/[5] CNN. (2025, March 14). [Spotlight: Vatican readies Sistine Chapel for the conclave]. Retrieved April 30, 2023, from https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/14/world/sistine-chapel-papal-conclave-preparations-ctl-intl/index.html

The Italian citizen's family is receiving support from Italian authorities and San Francisco's consulate after a tragic accident on Highway 20 near Yellowstone, resulting in the individual's death.
The collision between a pickup truck and a passenger van on May 1, near Henry's Lake State Park, resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including an Italian tourist, and the injuries of eight others.
In a shocking turn of events, an Italian tourist was among the seven fatalities in a vehicle collision near Yellowstone National Park.
Italian politicians and Catholic figures criticized President Donald Trump for generating and posting an AI-imagined picture of himself dressed in papal attire, just days before the papal conclave.
The upcoming papal conclave will see the Sistine Chapel undergo a facelift, with preparations well underway within the Apostolic Palace.
Following an accident on a highway in Idaho, heightened security measures are being taken for the safety of European Union citizens, including Italians.
The driver of the pickup truck involved in the fatal accident on Highway 20 was identified as Isaiah Moreno, a 25-year-old man from Humble, Texas.
The EU is closely monitoring the investigations and safety measures for the transportation of European citizens, following the tragic accident on Highway 20 near Yellowstone.
Giorgia Meloni, an Italian politician, has been vocal in her criticism of President Trump's actions regarding the depiction of the papacy.