A year following the controversy brought about by the release of white doves last year, the Vatican now resolved the issue by swiftly ending the tradition initiated by Pope John Paul II.
In the event held last Sunday, colorful balloons instead of doves were released by the children chosen to stand with Pope Francis in St. Peter's Square to reflect the Church's effort to advocate peace in the world, the New York Daily News reported.
"Here's the balloons that mean, 'peace,'" shared Pope Francis upon the release of the balloons. The children in the venue were given white, green, pink and purple balloons to mark their participation in the ceremony. Apart from these, a hot air balloon containing messages for peace was also released.
The heated debate connected with the same event last year was sparked by incidents following the release of the two white doves. As soon as these were set free by the children, two birds of prey immediately attacked the doves. One was viciously attacked by a seagull, while the other was preyed on by a crow.
The entire debacle was filmed by both local and international media outlets in attendance in the said ceremony, and was witnessed by thousands of the devotees who took part in the event. In addition, the two children who released the doves watched in horror as these struggled to escape the fierce predators that attacked them.
Although the white doves eventually escaped the attack, the public especially the animal rights' activists began to call for an amendment on the said tradition of the Church. In addition, the protesters claimed that the ceremony appeared to symbolize a "death sentence" for the birds released. Some even filed petitions to call for the halt in this tradition in an effort to protect the rights of the white doves.
"Domesticated doves are easy targets for other birds due to their white color and inability to recognize predators and flee. The Pope's intentions in releasing the doves were innocent, but after witnessing the gruesome aftermath he needs to end the practice," a petition reads.
In addition, the petition suggested other means for the Pontiff to impart a "dramatic message without harming any creatures." The group proposed the release of paper cranes or planting of white poppy flowers instead.
Prior to the actual event, the Vatican announced that balloons will take the place of the white doves during the celebration this year. Although the majority speculated that this decision was prompted by the incident last year, no official comment was given about the issue.
