VATICAN CITY (AP) — Dove lovers, rejoice.
Balloons, not doves, were released as a gesture of peace Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, a year after an attack by a seagull and a crow on the symbolic birds sparked protests by animal rights groups.
For many years children, flanking the pope at a window of the papal studio overlooking the square, have released a pair of doves on the last Sunday in January. The Catholic Church traditionally dedicates January to peace themes.
Last year, the feel-good practice became a public relations disaster. After the children with Pope Francis tossed a pair of doves from the window, first a seagull and then a crow swept down and attacked the doves. Their ultimate fate was unknown.
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Animal rights groups attacking the balloon release in turn as dangerous to whales and sea turtles in 3…2…1…
Ever tried to inflate a dove with nitrous oxide?
Granted with balloons birds aren’t killed in front of the kids, but balloons are a pretty awful choice.
I’m not a peta person, but those balloons don’t just disappear.
Not just animal rights. Anyone who cares about the environment at all.
For those protesting the balloons as environmental damaging, don’t worry. Each balloon contains a small message, offering a 25 cent reward to whoever returns it to the Vatican.