Papal Bulls Escape from Vatican

	A rampaging bull gores a hapless Italian

There was even more commotion than usual in the streets of Rome yesterday, when at least ten papal bulls escaped from the Vatican and ran amok through the city.

Terrified citizens fled before the rampaging bovines, shouting "Mama mia!" and waving their arms above their heads in a highly dramatic manner.

Near escape: bulls shredded this woman's blouse

Seventeen people were taken to hospital, most of them suffering from minor cuts and bruises.

Most seriously injured was Cardinal Augusto Linguini, who was gored on the steps of the Vatican. Cardinal Linguini was in the news last year when he was the first cardinal to question the pope's infallibility. He was injured trying to prevent the animals' escape from the pope's home. It is believed that his red robe was like a red rag to the bulls. His condition is described as serious but comfortable.

The incident appears to have been caused by sombody leaving the front gates of the Vatican slightly ajar, maybe after collecting that morning's delivery of milk. Police believe the open door to have been nothing more sinister than a forgetful blunder, although mafia involvement has not yet been ruled out.

His Holiness the Pope was unavailable for comment.