Singer Morrissey has reached out to Pope Francis, urging him to denounce the “sinful” practice of bullfighting.

The former lead singer of The Smiths, a well-known advocate for animal rights, has sent an open letter to the Pope as part of a campaign led by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

According to RTE, PETA has previously called on the Pope to speak out against bullfighting, which is prominently featured in the annual Running of the Bulls event in Pamplona, Spain.

The organisation says the event has "Catholic roots."

In his letter, dated August 2024, Morrissey appealed directly to Pope Francis: “These abominations must end, and only you can make that happen. Please, I implore you to act.” he wrote.

He criticised bullfighting as contrary to the teachings of both St. Francis and Pope Francis, writing: "You chose the name of St Francis - patron saint of animals and the environment - because you wish to make nature protection your legacy, but the torture, torment, and killing of bulls for sport flies in the face of his teachings and yours."

The singer then warned that if the Church does not denounce bullfighting, it risks losing its relevance. 

Morrissey has long been vocal about animal rights, exploring themes of animal welfare in his song The bullfighter dies and The Smiths’ album “Meat is murder.”