Pope's peace doves slow to taste freedom

Jan 30, 2012 |

Vatican City

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A pair of doves seemed to prefer the company of Pope Benedict XVI to the great outdoors on Sunday when he had trouble convincing them to take flight in a traditional peace gesture.

The first dove hesitated on the windowsill of the pope's Vatican apartment for a long spell before flying off, while the second flew back into the room before flying out again.

"They want to stay in the pope's home," Benedict said, flanked by two children.

The traditional release of doves, which the pope said was intended 'as a sign of peace for the city of Rome and for the entire world', takes place each year at the end of 'peace month' organised by Catholic Action Rome, a lay group that seeks to boost Catholic influence on society.

The group stages a 'peace caravan' through the streets of Rome, ending at St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

The dove release came at the end of the pope's weekly recitation of the Angelus prayer to pilgrims gathered in the square.

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