Horses, cows, rabbits and goats have become the new tourists in St. Peter's Square. Some have been taken completely by surprise…
“I don’t know why the animals are here, but I saw that some schools came. Maybe it’s something they do annually, I imagine…”
Others were not far off in their guesses and knew more or less why…
“I heard something about them celebrating, I don’t know, a saint? Saint Anthony of Abbot?”
Indeed, all these animals are here for the celebration of Saint Anthony the Abbot, patron saint of animals, due to the great connection that this saint had with them.
“I see so many animals that I like so much that I have come to see them”.
Coldiretti is one of the main agricultural producers' organisations in Italy. They were responsible for bringing the animals.
CARMELO TROCCOLI
Director Generla of Coldiretti’s Campaign
Animals are also very important for the welfare system in Italy because they provide services in rural areas, working alongside our farmers. FLASH That's why we are showing it in this place, to tell the story of our farmers and our rural area.
All of them, as well as the pets of some of the inhabitants of Rome, were blessed by Cardinal Mauro Gambeti, after the Mass celebrated in St. Peter's Basilica in honour of St. Anthony the Abbot.
BAM
TR: GS
