Chileans gather in Santiago to take part in traditional blessings of pets
Description: (5 Oct 2026)
RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Santiago, Chile - 4 October 2026
1. Priest sprinkling holy water on animals
2. Franciscan priest praying outside Saint Francis of Assisi Church
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Friar Ronald Villalobos:
++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 1, 2, 4++
“We are celebrating with great joy and gratitude the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. For this reason, today we have held the traditional blessing of pets here outside the church.”
4. Various of Villalobos sprinkling holy water on animals
5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Natalia Galvez, attended the pets' blessings:
++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 4, 6++
“We found it to be a great initiative because they don’t do this everywhere, and this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to attend. Many dogs came and they were blessed one by one, which we really appreciate because they could have just done it quickly."
6. Disabled dog using a wheelchair to move inside the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
STORYLINE:
Hundreds of Chileans and animal lovers gathered in Santiago on Sunday to take part in traditional blessings of pets held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and outside the San Francisco Church.
During the event, priests blessed dogs and other animals with holy water as families brought their pets to participate in the Catholic tradition honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature.
Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian friar who lived in the 13th century, is known for his special connection with nature and animals. His message emphasized humility, compassion and respect for all living creatures. The Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on October 4.
The event brought together dogs of different sizes and breeds, as well as other pets. Some animals were carried by their owners, while others participated using special carts or wheelchairs.
San Francisco Church, located in downtown Santiago, is considered the oldest surviving church in Chile. Construction of the current church began in the 16th century, just a few years after the founding of Santiago, and the site has remained one of the capital’s most important religious and heritage landmarks.
The traditional blessing of the animals brings together religious communities, families and pet lovers each year to honor the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and his message of respect and compassion toward animals and nature.
AP Video shot by Alexandre Plaza
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RESTRICTION SUMMARY:
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Santiago, Chile - 4 October 2026
1. Priest sprinkling holy water on animals
2. Franciscan priest praying outside Saint Francis of Assisi Church
3. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Friar Ronald Villalobos:
++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 1, 2, 4++
“We are celebrating with great joy and gratitude the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, who is the patron saint of animals. For this reason, today we have held the traditional blessing of pets here outside the church.”
4. Various of Villalobos sprinkling holy water on animals
5. SOUNDBITE (Spanish) Natalia Galvez, attended the pets' blessings:
++PART OVERLAID WITH SHOT 4, 6++
“We found it to be a great initiative because they don’t do this everywhere, and this is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to attend. Many dogs came and they were blessed one by one, which we really appreciate because they could have just done it quickly."
6. Disabled dog using a wheelchair to move inside the Basílica de Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
STORYLINE:
Hundreds of Chileans and animal lovers gathered in Santiago on Sunday to take part in traditional blessings of pets held at the Basilica of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and outside the San Francisco Church.
During the event, priests blessed dogs and other animals with holy water as families brought their pets to participate in the Catholic tradition honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals and nature.
Saint Francis of Assisi, an Italian friar who lived in the 13th century, is known for his special connection with nature and animals. His message emphasized humility, compassion and respect for all living creatures. The Catholic Church celebrates his feast day on October 4.
The event brought together dogs of different sizes and breeds, as well as other pets. Some animals were carried by their owners, while others participated using special carts or wheelchairs.
San Francisco Church, located in downtown Santiago, is considered the oldest surviving church in Chile. Construction of the current church began in the 16th century, just a few years after the founding of Santiago, and the site has remained one of the capital’s most important religious and heritage landmarks.
The traditional blessing of the animals brings together religious communities, families and pet lovers each year to honor the legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi and his message of respect and compassion toward animals and nature.
AP Video shot by Alexandre Plaza
===========================================================
Clients are reminded to adhere to all listed restrictions and to check the terms of their licence agreements. For further assistance, please contact the AP Archive on: Tel +44(0)2074827482 Email: info@aparchive.com.
Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork
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You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/9152ea19ddf848ee9701272e411fce6d Close description
