The European Commission has announced an in-depth investigation of German airline Lufthansa’s planned takeover of Italian carrier ITA Airways citing competitive concerns.

German airline Lufthansa on Thursday signed a deal with the Italian government for a minority share in the long-struggling ITA Airways, formerly Alitalia.

German airline Lufthansa says it has submitted an offer for a minority stake in Italy’s ITA Airways Spa, formerly Alitalia.

Pope Francis says he doesn't understand why people refuse to take COVID-19 vaccines.

Pope Francis says Catholic bishops must minister to politicians who back abortion with “compassion and tenderness,” not condemnation.

Claudio Villa/Getty Images(CNN) - Italian airline Alitalia has apologized for a promotional video that featured an actor in blackface portraying former US President Barack Obama. The airline has removed the video and apologized after receiving a flood of complaints. "Alitalia deeply apologizes for the offense caused by the promotional video on our Washington route," tweeted Alitalia. "This @Alitalia video showcasing a silent blackfaced "Obama" is reprehensive on so many levels: racism, extreme provincialism, willful ignorance of facts, lack of historic knowledge," tweeted one user. In February, Italian fashion house Gucci apologized and discontinued a sweater that social media users said resembles blackface because of its design.