2025 has finally come to a close!
I have spent a long time anticipating its end and the arrival of 2026. To be honest, it was a heavy year; a relentless succession of personal events has left me feeling deeply exhausted.
However, before I dive back into the blog’s usual routine, I want to take a moment to look back at the events that defined the last twelve months.
I usually shy away from making public comments—especially regarding politics—but this will likely be the only article where I offer a few personal reflections on the topics that shaped our world.
January 20 – The Return of Trump: Donald Trump was re-elected and inaugurated as President of the United States. While I never felt the opposition was particularly strong during the campaign, I held onto the hope in the common sense of the American people—praying they would vote for the “lesser of two evils,” as we often do in Italy. Unfortunately, I fear this second term marks the beginning of something truly concerning, both for the American Dream and the delicate balance of global stability.
February 2025 – Taylor Swift announced her engagement to Travis Kelce, capturing the world’s attention.
April 2025 – Tension at Campi Flegrei: The seismic activity in the Campi Flegrei region persisted, recording its strongest earthquake in decades with a magnitude of 4.6. While new evacuation plans have been drafted, I can’t help but feel that if a major event occurs, it will be a catastrophe regardless of the preparation.
April 21 – A New Era for the Vatican: At age 88, Pope Francis passed away. He was succeeded by Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Leo XIV. He surprised the world with a plenary blessing during his announcement. I find myself wondering: is this finally the moment for the Catholic Church to truly change? Can it finally bring to light, condemn, and resolve deep-seated issues like systemic child abuse and the disappearance of Emanuela Orlandi?
May 2025 – The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris finally reopened to the public. It brought immense joy to those of us who watched with broken hearts as flames engulfed the structure years ago.
May 23, 2025 – Forza Napoli: Napoli clinched its fourth Scudetto with a victory over Cagliari. As a Neapolitan living with a Sardinian, I can’t say too much to keep the peace at home… I’ll just settle for a quick “Tie’!“
July 2025 – Sanae Takaichi was elected Prime Minister of Japan. It is a historic milestone to see a woman hold this office in a country known for such a deeply entrenched patriarchal structure.
September 2025 – Space Tourism: Katy Perry “went to space” with a group of women for reasons I find both inexplicable and unjustifiable. To me, this felt like a massive waste of money and a significant blow to the environment—all to satisfy the whims of the wealthy who lack real-world problems. Had those resources been donated to charity, they could have solved genuine crises.
September 2025 – Justice in Italy: Following the reopening of the Garlasco case, Andrea Sempio was placed under investigation for the murder of Chiara Poggi. While there is much to say about Prosecutor Napoleone’s new inquiry, I see this as a turning point for Italian justice. It signals a legal system unafraid to investigate its own, offering hope to citizens who have suffered under corrupt authorities. I hope this momentum will eventually bring clarity to the Yara Gambirasio case and the Erba massacre, where I believe innocent people—much like Alberto Stasi—may have been wrongfully convicted.
September 8–12 – Youth Revolution: The youth of Nepal rose up and overthrew their corrupt government. The younger generation has proven they are the true beacon of hope for the future.
October 2025 – Security Breach at the Louvre: France’s reputation for reliability took a hit after the Louvre‘s security systems were easily bypassed during a massive heist. In my opinion, France has treated national security too lightly in recent years, and I believe this lax approach is exactly why the French government continues to struggle with stability.
December 3–4 – Martial Law in South Korea: President Yoon Suk-yeol suddenly declared martial law, sparking nationwide protests. The attempt failed miserably, proving just how ready the South Korean people are to fight for the true well-being of their democracy.
December 10 – Italian cuisine was finally recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage, honoring its immense cultural and social value.
December 16 – 250 Years of Jane Austen: We celebrated the 250th anniversary of the birth of Jane Austen, the beloved author of Pride and Prejudice.
These are the events that left the deepest impression on me or shook me to my core.
What were the defining moments of your 2025, and what are your hopes for 2026?