Activists Arrested as They Beg Pope Francis to Denounce Bullfighting

Animal rights activists from PETA UK were arrested after protesting in front of Pope Francis, urging him to denounce bullfighting. The activists threw themselves in front of the Pope's vehicle at an event in Rome, wearing T-shirts with messages like "Stop Blessing Corridas" and holding signs saying "Bullfighting is a Sin". PETA has been campaigning for the Catholic Church to cut ties with bullfighting, as they believe it is a despicable blood sport that no good person should support.

Despite a ban on bullfighting issued by Pope Pius V in the 16th century, the Church has failed to enforce it, with Catholic priests often officiating at bullfights and ministering to bullfighters in arena chapels. PETA has made multiple attempts to urge Pope Francis to speak out against bullfighting, including letters, protests, disruptions, and ad campaigns. The activists are calling on the Pope to denounce these violent spectacles and make it clear that the Church should have no association with such cruelty towards animals.