Animal Rights Activists Disrupt Pope's Audience with Anti-Bullfighting Protest
Two PETA members interrupted Pope Francis's general audience at the Vatican, protesting against bullfighting. The incident occurred during the Pope's first audience after his summer break.
On August 9, 2024, Pope Francis's weekly general audience at the Vatican was briefly interrupted by two members of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The activists, carrying signs in Spanish and English stating "Bullfighting is a sin," walked down an aisle in the Paul VI Audience Hall before being escorted out by security officials.
This event marked Pope Francis's return to his regular schedule following a month-long summer break in July. Due to Rome's high temperatures, the audience was held indoors rather than in St. Peter's Square, which can accommodate up to 300,000 people.
The protest highlighted the ongoing debate surrounding bullfighting and its relationship with the Catholic Church. Some activists claim that certain Catholic priests offer blessings to bullfighters, a practice they oppose. Bullfighting, which originated in Spain and Portugal in the 18th century, has long been a subject of controversy.
While Pope Francis, the 266th pope of the Catholic Church, has not publicly addressed the issue of bullfighting, his predecessor from the 16th century, Pope Pius V, took a strong stance against it. Pope Pius V outlawed the practice, describing it as "better suited to demons rather than men."
This incident was not isolated. In January 2024, a similar protest occurred during a papal prayer service at Rome's Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, indicating a persistent campaign by animal rights activists to bring attention to this issue within the Catholic community.
Pope Francis, known for his progressive views on various social and environmental matters, chose his papal name in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, who was renowned for his love of animals. This connection has led some to hope for a papal statement on animal welfare issues, including bullfighting.
The Vatican City, the smallest independent state globally with an area of just 44 hectares, has been dealing with an increasing number of public demonstrations during papal events. The Swiss Guard, founded in 1506 and responsible for the Pope's security, faces the challenge of maintaining order while respecting the right to peaceful protest.
"We urge Pope Francis to condemn bullfighting and encourage Catholic leaders to stop blessing this cruel practice."
As the first pope from the Americas and the Southern Hemisphere, Pope Francis has brought a unique perspective to the papacy. His weekly general audiences, a tradition that began with Pope Pius XI in 1925, continue to attract thousands of visitors to the Vatican, which receives over 6 million visitors annually through its museums alone.
The incident serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between religious traditions, cultural practices, and evolving societal values. As the Catholic Church navigates these challenges, the world watches to see how Pope Francis and the Vatican will address such contentious issues in the future.
