The activists from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) climbed over barriers from the pews into the aisle of the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. They wore T-shirts that read "stop blessing corridas" and held signs reading "bullfighting is a sin."

The women ran down the aisle, getting within meters of the pope before security officials intervened. The activists were then escorted from the building, still holding up their signs.

The gathering in the Vatican on Wednesday marked the return of Francis' weekly general audiences following the pope's month-long summer break.

Read More

The International Organisation for the Protection of Animals (OIPA) has claimed that the animals are subjected to "painful constraints" for human amusement by the circus, known for its animal acts.

The event was organised to allow marginalised individuals, including refugees, homeless individuals, inmates, families with children, and squatters from occupied buildings in Rome, to enjoy a few hours of entertainment and relaxation.

The volunteers for the event, including Missionaries of Charity sisters of Mother Teresa, aimed to provide material aid and experiences to uplift the spirits of the marginalised.

During the event, Cardinal Krajewski (pictured) went so far as to lie on a stage and let an elephant climb over him to demonstrate the animal's training.

However, OIPA criticised Pope Francis for sponsoring an event with animals.

The group claims that circus animals are forced into a life against nature, living in captivity with limited space and under constant stress.

They argue that circuses that use human performers who display human talent instead of subjecting animals to painful constraints are acceptable.

Over the years, circus performers have been frequent guests at Vatican events, and Pope Francis has hosted circus performers, including some 6,000 during the Jubilee of Mercy in 2016.

Krajewski's intention to spread joy

Although animal rights groups have raised their voices against using animals in circuses, the use of animals remains legal in Italy.

The opposition of the animal rights group has brought attention to the issue of animal cruelty in circuses.

The incident highlights the moral complexities of balancing charity, entertainment, and the welfare of animals.

While Krajewski's intention was to spread joy and offer some relief to marginalised individuals, animal rights activists argue that the use of animals in entertainment is outdated and cruel and that it is time to move on to more ethical forms of entertainment.

The event highlights the tension between providing entertainment and uplifting activities while also protecting the welfare of animals.

The Vatican's response to the criticism will be important in shaping the conversation around animal rights and the use of animals in entertainment.

Sources

Crux Now

Angelus News

CathNews New Zealand

The pair were the last two cats left roaming the earthquake-damaged cathedral and the surrounding square after more than 25 cats were rescued from the area in the past two years. Read more

NJ.com reports American Atheists Inc. claims in a federal lawsuit the Bergen County Animal Shelter's blessing of the animals by a Roman Catholic priest violates the First and Fourth Amendments. Read more

Such religious practices have traditionally been exempt from the oversight of civil government

Animal welfare activists have embraced the thinly disguised anti-Semitic and anti-Muslim sentiments rising across Western Europe as a common cause in their efforts to attack all of animal agriculture and meat processing. Continue reading

A white crib placed in front of the altar had the cremated remains of a Chihuahua called "Miss Chiwa," which had been a model for dog "clothes" in magazines and TV advertisements.

During the ceremony a woman identified as the "mother" of the dog delivered a speech recalling its "great deeds".

Fr. Lallemand was at her side to encourage her. Continue reading