With the election of Pope Leone XIVthe International Association for Animal Rights Peta took the opportunity to address a clear and direct appeal: putting an end to the implicit support of the Catholic Church at brunettestill organized in honor of Christians today.
In a letter, Ingrid Newkirkfounder of Peta, invites the new pontiff to follow the legacy of Pope Francis – that the same organization had appointed “person of the year” ten years ago – taking a clear position against the bullfighting. “Do what he would surely have done if he had had more time on earth,” writes Newkirk, “and the sacrilegious bonds of the Catholic Church with the torture and killing of the bulls for entertainment”.
According to Peta, there are still thousands of religious events that provide for the ritualized killing of bulls in countries by Catholic majority, such as the Spain and some areas of theLatin America. On these occasions, it is not uncommon that priests actively participate in the celebrations: bless Torers in the arenas chapels and, in some cases, enter the field directly with the liturgical guise.
The violence described in the letter is precise and documented. The bulls are affected by men on horseback who attacked spears in their back and neck; follow the Banderillas, which cause pain to every movement. When the animal is now exhausted by the blood loss, The matador tries to hit him with a sword in the lungs. Finally, the backbone with a knife is cut. It may happen that the bull, still conscious, is mutilated: his ears or the tail are cut and offers as a trophy.
Peta underlines how these practices survive partly thanks to the use of the names of the saints and the Church, in evident contrast with Catholic teaching. In fact, the doctrine states that “human beings must show benevolence towards animals” and that “it is not lawful to cause suffering or death in vain” to a living creature.
Pope Francis, in theencyclical laudato yeshas defined “human dignity” all act of cruelty towards a living being. But the most relevant precedent is perhaps that of Pope Pius Vwhich in 1567 formally prohibits the bullfight, calling it a “cruel and cowardly show of the devil”.
In the text addressed to the new Pope, Peta states: “This torture of animals dates back to an era in which cruelty and contempt for life were the norm, when people were executed in the public squares among the applause of crowds in delusion”. Today, he adds, it is unacceptable that similar practices continue to be tolerated, and even more than they receive religious coverage.
The awareness campaign “Do not let its inheritance go to smoke” has also brought the message into the public space: Over 100 billboards have been posted throughout Romemany of which near the Vatican. The goal is to bring attention not only to the suffering of animals, but also on the urgency of consistency by the Church with respect to its founding principles.
Peta concludes the appeal with a precise request: “Will you please pronounce soon against this cruel injustice currently perpetrated with the protection of the Church?”.
