Pope's peace doves slow to taste freedom

A pair of doves seemed to prefer the company of Pope Benedict XVI to
the great outdoors on Sunday when he had trouble convincing
them to take flight in a traditional peace gesture.

The first dove hesitated on the windowsill of the pope's
Vatican
apartment for a long spell before flying off, while the
second flew back into the room before flying out again.

"They want to stay in the pope's home," Benedict said,
flanked by two children.

The traditional release of doves, which the pope said was
intended "as a sign of peace for the city of Rome and for the
entire world," takes place each year at the end of "peace
month" organised by Catholic Action Rome, a lay group
that seeks to boost Catholic influence on society.

The group stages a "peace caravan" through the streets of
Rome, ending at St Peter's Square at the Vatican.

The dove release came at the end of the pope's weekly
recitation of the Angelus prayer to pilgrims gathered in the
square.

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Pope's peace doves slow to taste freedom