Dennis Augustine
As the world watches the sacred drama of the papal conclave unfold, two unlikely observers have taken center stage—perched high on the Sistine Chapel chimney: a pair of seagulls.
For those following online, their presence adds an unexpected mix of levity and quiet symbolism to the solemn occasion. While the cardinals cast their secret votes beneath Michelangelo’s frescoed ceiling, the birds sit above—calm, unhurried, as if awaiting the outcome with the rest of us.
In a way, they echo the spirit of Pope Francis, whose namesake, St. Francis of Assisi, was known for his bond with animals and nature. Perhaps these winged visitors are nature’s way of reminding us that even in moments of great ceremony, the simple things—like birds on a roof—can carry meaning.
VaticanWatch #Conclave2025 #PopeFra
