The Catholic world rejoiced following the election of the new pope, Francis I, also known as Jorge Mario Bergoglio. He is the 266th canonized pope, succeeding Pope Benedict XVI, the first to retire from the position in over 600 years.
Though all seemed to be calm and peaceful throughout the past month, with the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI and the election of the new pope, an important issue has arisen that has the Vatican concerned.
It is believed that the new pope has a stalker of sorts. This speculation has been highly discussed due to several sightings of a medium-sized seagull, which has been spotted, sometimes in the company of fellow birds, around the Vatican within the past two months.
Though many bird species have been spotted throughout this city in years’ past, the bird in question is believed to have made its first appearance at the 2013 Caravan of Peace, held in the last weekend of January.
Every year, the pope says a prayer and releases two doves into the air, doves being the symbol of peace and tranquility. Pope Benedict XVI, in what would be one of his final events, released two doves: the first successfully flew onto a window ledge, while the second found trouble.
The second dove found its way onto a nearby ledge, only to be attacked by a seagull moments later. Though the dove was alright in the end, the seagull became somewhat notorious for its actions.
It is believed that this is the same seagull that was spotted sitting atop the Vatican chimney during the Papal Conclave, right before white smoke appeared from the stack (signifying that a new pope has been elected). The cardinals (church officials, not birds), including the new pope, were sequestered during this time, with no access to the media or any other technology. Therefore, the pope would have no knowledge of any outside information before his election and the choosing of his name.
Several speculators believed this peculiar event to be quite interesting, considering the fact that the new pope chose Francis as his name, in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was well known for his love of animals and, in particular, birds.
Other speculations aside, the Vatican is still concentrating all their efforts on the capture of this seagull.
Though the new pope sympathizes with the bird, Vatican officials are currently holding a “Seagull Watch” in the hopes of finding and capturing it.
A Vatican official, choosing to remain anonymous, stated that the Seagull Watch was of “highest priority” and that the Vatican “will do everything in its power to catch this troublesome bird, though no harm may come to the creature.”
Though this unique story has the world watching, many congratulations and prayers are still being made for the new leader of the Catholic world.
April Fools!
