Acrobats perform for pope, form human tower

[December 16, 2010]  VATICAN CITY (AP) -- 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 Wednesday 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.

[Associated Press]

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