Animal rights activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) made headlines when they disrupted Pope Francis‘ general audience in the Vatican to protest against bullfighting. The activists stormed the audience, climbing over barriers and running down the aisle towards the Pope, wearing t-shirts that read „stop blessing corridas“ and holding signs that declared „bullfighting is a sin.“ This bold protest was a direct plea to the Pope to condemn the practice of bullfighting, which they believe is cruel and inhumane.
The incident took place during the Pope’s first general audience following his month-long summer break. The activists managed to get within meters of Pope Francis before security officials intervened and escorted them out of the building. Despite being removed, the activists continued to hold up their signs, making their message loud and clear. This was not the first time PETA has staged such a protest; a similar demonstration took place in January during a service for Christian unity presided over by the Pope at the Basilica of St Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome.
The protesters‘ main grievance is that priests continue to offer blessings to bullfighters, thereby condoning the practice. They are calling on Pope Francis to take a stand against bullfighting and denounce it as a form of animal cruelty. Interestingly, in the 16th century, Pope Pius V issued a papal injunction against bullfighting, showing that the issue is not a new one within the Catholic Church. Despite this historical stance, Pope Francis has not publicly spoken out against bullfighting. However, he has made the protection of the environment a central theme of his papacy, advocating for the ethical treatment of all living beings.
The protest by PETA at the Vatican highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the ethics of bullfighting and the role of religious leaders in addressing animal rights issues. It also raises questions about the intersection of tradition, culture, and morality in contemporary society. As the conversation continues, it remains to be seen whether Pope Francis will address the activists‘ concerns and take a definitive stance on the controversial practice of bullfighting.
