Four acrobats have taken their circus act to the Vatican, performing
shirtless for Pope Benedict XVI during his weekly general audience.
The men took off their shirts as they came on stage to begin
their show, which lasted a few minutes.
They lifted each other in
acrobatic poses, keeping balance with their bodies supported only by
their arms, at one point creating a human tower.
The pope looked on, and at the end of the performance he clapped and briefly got up as he greeted them.
The group of acrobats is called "Fratelli Pellegrini" ("Pellegrini
Brothers") and has performed across the world.
They were invited as part
of a convention on circuses organized by the Vatican's office for
migrants.
SIC: WP/INT'L