Ezio Sorti

The Eastern Mediterranean provided the setting for Pope Leo XIV’s first steps on the global stage. By traveling to Türkiye and Lebanon, lands marked by ancient Christian memory and complex religious histories, and marked today by geopolitical strain, the head of the Catholic Church articulated a vision of dialogue amid fragmentation and uncertainty.

On the evening of November 7, 2025, a crowd gathered in central Tehran to witness the unveiling of a new statue: Shapur I, depicted in the act of defeating the Roman Emperor Valerian. The scene was visually striking, but its significance ran deeper. Iran has long maintained an uneasy relationship with its pre-Islamic past, oscillating between pride and ideological caution.

These are important months for Egyptian culture. On November 1, 2025, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo will host its Grand Opening, attended by international leaders and distinguished guests, before opening to the public on November 4. Located near the iconic Pyramids of Giza, the GEM will showcase over 100,000 artifacts, including the complete Tutankhamun collection, offering a comprehensive view of ancient Egyptian civilization. Beyond its vast collection, the Grand Egyptian Museum...