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After dove debacle, Vatican makes balloons new peace symbol

Pope Francis flanked by children waves to faithful at the end of the noon Angelus prayer from his studio's overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia) Pope Francis flanked by children waves to faithful at the end of the noon Angelus prayer from his studio's overlooking St. Peter's Square at the Vatican, Sunday, Jan. 25, 2015. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)

By Associated Press January 25, 2015 1 min read

VATICAN CITY (AP) – Dove lovers, rejoice.

Balloons, not doves, were released as a gesture of peace Sunday in St. Peter’s Square, a year after an attack by a seagull and a crow on the symbolic birds sparked protests by animal rights groups.

For many years children, flanking the pope at a window of the papal studio overlooking the square, have released a pair of doves on the last Sunday in January. The Catholic Church traditionally dedicates January to peace themes.

Last year, the feel-good practice became a public relations disaster. After the children with Pope Francis tossed a pair of doves from the window, first a seagull and then a crow swept down and attacked the doves. Their ultimate fate was unknown.