Pope's peace doves violently attacked by seagull and crow

Two white doves released as a peace gesture by kids standing alongside Pope Francis at St Peter’s Square on Sunday, were left bruised after being attacked by other birds.

A seagull and a large black crow swoop on the doves after they were set free from an open window of the Apostolic Palace, the Guardian reported.

One dove lost some of its feathers while breaking free from the gull, however, the crow pecked repeatedly at the other dove.

It’s not clear as to what happened to the doves as they flew off.

Speaking at the window beforehand, Francis had appealed for peace in Ukraine, where anti-government protesters have died.