Environmental crime stories

Pope Leo XIV visits Italy's 'Land of Fires,' condemns companies profiting from toxic waste dumping

Pope Leo XIV traveled to Acerra in Italy's Campania region on Saturday, meeting with families affected by illegal toxic waste dumping linked to mafia operations and denouncing companies that seek profits at the cost of environmental pollution. Around 15,000 people gathered to welcome the pontiff to the Terra dei Fuochi area, where illegal dumping has caused deaths and cancer cases.