Vatican struck by lightning hours after Pope stands down

St Peter’s was struck by lightning in a freak display of nature that could have been seen as a sign from God. The Vatican’s holiest church was hit with the high-powered bolt just hours after the Pope resigned.


Rome was lit up as a powerful electric storm passed through the city and cameras caught the moment a ferocious bolt zig-zagged through the night sky before striking the roof of the famous basilica.

The 500-year-old church is one of the most important holy buildings in the Vatican and hosts many Papal ceremonies. ROOF of holiest Catholic church St. Peter’s Basilica was hit by fierce bolt during an electric storm in Rome last night Pope Benedict XVI stunned the world yesterday by standing down after eight years as head of the Catholic Church at the age of 85.

Benedict – real name Joseph Ratzinger – claimed he was too frail to carry on in the role. His successor will be elected next month by 120 Catholic cardinals.

…Topless women celebrate his resignation

Eight feminists flashed their breasts in the heart of Paris’s Notre Dame cathedral yesterday to celebrate Pope Benedict XVI’s shock resignation announcement. The members of the Femen movement entered the Gothic cathedral dressed in long coats which they whipped off inside while ringing three bells neºar the altar.

“Pope no more!” they cried. “No more homophobe” and “Bye bye Benedict!” Scandalized visitors voiced their disapproval. “This is a sacred place, you can’t strip here,” said a Frenchwoman. The Femen women’s power group has been making headlines since 2010 for topless feminist, pro-democracy and anti-corruption protests in Russia, Ukraine and London.

The protestors were dragged out of the cathedral by security but remained outside for some time shouting “In gay we trust” and “Get out homophobe.”