Circus performers gave Pope Francis a flower-shaped balloon and placed a white bird on his hand in a brief performance at his general audience on Wednesday.
Members of the Liana Orfei Golden Circus included a clown, a magician who performed a quick show for the pope, jugglers, acrobats and tightrope walkers.
During his public address, the pope thanked the performers and said "beauty brings us closer to God".
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