THE DOGFATHER

Pope Francis gets hilariously photobombed by playful Jack Russell during St Peter’s Square photoshoot

The pontiff was meeting a group of 'canine athletes' during a walkabout at the Vatican this morning

Danny Collins

Published: 15:37, 5 Oct 2016
Updated: 15:47, 5 Oct 2016

POPE Francis brings a whole new meaning to the term dog collar - after being photobombed by a Jack Russell at the Vatican.

The pontiff was meeting with a team of 'dog athletes' in Rome today when one cheeky pooch tried to steal the limelight.

Pope Francis was overshadowed by an unlikely figure as he posed with a group of dog trainers in St Peter's Square today — Pope Francis was overshadowed by an unlikely figure as he posed with a group of dog trainers in St Peter's Square todayCredit: AP:Associated Press

The cheeky Jack Russell made sure it was in prime position to get in the shot with the pontiff — The cheeky Jack Russell made sure it was in prime position to get in the shot with the pontiffCredit: Getty Images

The pup's owner even lifted their pooch closer towards the head of the Catholic church during the photo shoot — The pup's owner even lifted their pooch closer towards the head of the Catholic church during the photo shootCredit: Reuters

Posing with the pups and their coaches, Argentine Francis is overshadowed by the dog, which leans up to get in the shot.

He had just been leading Mass at St Peter's Square before meeting pilgrims at a general audience.

And in one of his more unusual meetings he was introduced to the teams of canine athletes.

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The head of the Catholic church blessed the animals, patting them and shaking the hands of their coaches.

It is the second time in recent weeks that Pope Francis has been pictured with dogs.

Last month the pontiff met black Labrador Leo - a rescue dog who helped to save a four-year-old child caught in the rubble of Amatrice.

Francis greeted the group earlier today following Mass at the Vatican — Francis greeted the group earlier today following Mass at the VaticanCredit: EPA

Francis greeted the group earlier today following Mass at the Vatican — The group is said to be part of a canine sporting club that specialises in obedience and agilityCredit: EPA

Last month Francis met Leo the Labrador - who had saved a four-year-old girl from the rubble of the Amatrice earthquake that left 300 dead — Last month Francis met Leo the Labrador - who had saved a four-year-old girl from the rubble of the Amatrice earthquake that left 300 deadCredit: AP:Associated Press

Central Italy's mountainous regions were devastated by the quake, which killed almost 300 people.

He made a second unannounced visit to those affected by the natural disaster yesterday.

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Rome