PETA takes priests’ bullfighting praise to Holy See

ROME-- Animal Rights group PETA has asked the Holy See to investigate five Spanish priests over their public defense of bullfighting, including alleged remarks comparing a bull’s death on the ring to Christ’s sacrifice, the organization said.

  PETA said Italian canon lawyer Laura Sgrò had filed a complaint with the Dicastery for the Clergy, seeking an official inquiry and disciplinary action. The Dicastery is in charge of assisting bishops in matters of priesty discipline.

  In PETA’s English translation of the footage, Father Cruz Goñi compares bullfighting with the sacrifice of the Mass, saying “here it is the sacrifice of Christ” Father Antonio Schlatter describes events in the ring as “a sacrifice that is not violent”.

  The video also shows images of wounded bulls staggering and collapsing in the arena.

  Mimi Bekhechi, PETA’s senior vice president, said priests who preach compassion while celebrating animals’ suffering were contradicting the values they were ordained to represent.

  The complaint asks church authorities to decide whether publicly promoting bullfighting is compatible with a priest’s duties.

  PETA’s announcement does not confirm that an investigation has been opened.

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