With Pope Francis due to visit Ireland on August 25th/26th, animal protection groups are appealing to him to intervene on behalf on animals that are subjected to horribly cruel practices in this country.

The pope took the name of Saint Francis of Assisi, who abhorred animal cruelty and is hailed worldwide as patron saint of animals and the environment. Here's the petition, just started:

https://www.change.org/p/pope-francis-pope-francis-ask-ireland-s-government-to-ban-blood-sports