Pope Francis Swaps Balloons for Doves
Nothing derails a peace offering quite like a vicious attack by killer birds, but polluting the planet is a runner-up.
On Sunday, Pope Francis declared a flurry of balloons released in St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City a gesture of peace. Doves—the Vatican’s go-to peace symbol since one reportedly brought Noah an olive branch—are on leave following uproar over the disastrous attempt last January to release a pair for peace.
The Catholic Church celebrates peace on the last Sunday of each January. Last year, the creatures were attacked just moments after their release—and it’s whether the birds survived.
Last year,urging the Pope to switch to an inanimate animal-friendly alternative, such as paper cranes or white poppies. Nearly 77,000 signers agreed with him: “It was a scene of violence, which is the opposite of peace,” he told.
A large crow and a gull “dive bombed” the birds. TheyThe Papal doves, which were bred in captivity, had little experience avoiding predators. Moreover,as possible, which makes them an easy target.
"Animals born in captivity, not being wild animals, aren't able to recognize predators as such and are thus incapable of fleeing from possible dangerous situations,” thes.
In past years, the freed doves avoided danger by simply turning around and flying back inside. Perhaps they suspected they’ve been given a tough lot—in nature,, similar to their less-glamorous cousin, the pigeon. (Despite their different reputations — subway-dwelling garbage eaters vs. Vatican residents —.)
But colorful, helium-filled balloons aren’t an ideal solution.Latex and string arelikely to float back to the ground and could entangle wildlife or pose a risk to creatures who will mistake the trash for food, according to. ”A balloon release is not a cause for celebration, but a possible death sentence for an animal,” a Marine Conservation representative told.
“Pollution” just doesn’t quite say “peace.” Perhaps it'stime to brainstorm alternatives again.