Lion Cub Greets Pope with a Roar

Vatican City Pope Benedict XVI meets an unusual guest during his weekly audience at the Vatican. The lion cub was presented to the pontiff in the Vatican’s Paul VI hall yesterday as part of a performance by members of the Medrano Circus. An amused Pope watched as jugglers performed and stood up when the lion cub was carried closer so he could pat it. The lion responded with a roar, which drew laughter from the audience. (AP)

“While I renew with affection the expression of my full and unquestionable solidarity with our Jewish brothers, I hope the memory of the Shoah will induce humanity to reflect on the unpredictable power of hate when it conquers the heart of man,” said the pope.