<p><br /> A usually staid weekly Papal audience has been spiced up this week with an acrobatic performance by a troupe of topless men.<br /> </p><p><br /> The four performers dressed in white suits walked across the stage towards the Papal throne and surprised the Pope by whipping off their shirts before beginning an acrobatic performance.<br /> </p><p><br /> The Pope looked on as the men hoisted each other into the air, one on top of the other, three high.<br /> </p><p><br /> Nuns in the audience cheered enthusiastically while the Pope gave a more measured response.<br /> </p><p><br /> The bare-chested men then made their way past the Swiss guards to sit in the audience as the Pope continued with his more serious reflections.<br /> </p><p><br /> The performers were part of a group known as the Fratelli Pellegrini and are in Rome to take part in a worldwide convention of pastoral care for circus and fair people.<br /> </p>
