Faithful and furry: People and pets await next pope

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — It is not just people who flock to St. Peter’s Square to watch the chimney atop the Sistine Chapel; some furry, faithful companions have also been waiting it out.

After the 133 cardinal electors entered the Sistine Chapel the afternoon of May 7, thousands of people started streaming to the square at the time smoke was expected to emerge from the chimney in the evening and at midday.

Two-year-old Romeo, a rescue and a possible Shih Tzu and black poodle mix, stood out from the crowd, outfitted in a papal miter, a white cassock and a red stole emblazoned with gold paw prints and leaves. Behind his personalized silver dog tag, Romeo also had religious medallions of St. Francis of Assisi, Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception and St. Benedict.

“We just travel the world together. I’m a devout Catholic. I bring him to daily Mass with me. So it just seems fitting to be here, to dress him up as a pope. I thought it would be fun,” said Romeo’s owner, Marilis Pineiro, who is originally from New York City, but lives in Florence, Italy.

“It’s my first conclave, it’s Romeo’s first conclave. I’m really excited to see if we’re going to get white smoke today but overall just happy to be here,” she told Catholic News Service early May 8.

Pancake and Bistecca (Italian for “steak”), two Pomeranians, were excitedly perched on their owners’ laps on top of a large jean jacket.

“They are part of the family, so it did not make sense to leave them at home,” their owner, Giovanna Manetti told CNS.

Originally from Brazil and living in Florence, she and her boyfriend, Luca, came by train that morning to watch the smoke “because we are Catholics and so this (papal election) is part of our life.”

Maya, a white Maltese, was being carted around in a netted, cushioned back carrier by her owner, Federica. They got to the square after a crowded subway ride and an hour-long train trip from a town outside Rome.

They originally came as part of a pilgrimage group for the Holy Year, but dogs are not allowed into St. Peter’s Basilica, which left them traipsing around the square waiting for the smoke at midday and for their group to go through the Holy Door.

“I couldn’t leave her at home because today is a special day for everyone and for her, too. It would have been a shame” for Maya to miss out, she said.

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