[]Vatican chimney seagull trends as pope decision looms A curious seagull, appearing eager to find out who will be elected pope, became a Twitter sensation after it spent several hours on top of the Sistine Chapel's chimney. Storified by · Wed, Mar 13 2013 10:55:26
Looks like this seagull is trying to scoop all the world's media by perching atop Sistine Chapel Smokestack #CTVpope http://pic.twitter.com/pYILvuMHdjTodd van der Heyden
At first, the chimney's (unofficial) Twitter account was not amused with the new neighbour.
BACK!!! BACK YOU SEAGULL FIEND!! http://pic.twitter.com/aliToPL7nGConclave Chimney
The bird- which has at least one parody Twitter account - explained why it decided to spend time on the chimney.
I have to get a closer apartment. You wouldn't believe my commute in from The Colosseum this morning. Pigeons. Can't. Fly. #conclaveSistineSeagull
Wondering how I'm tweeting without a phone? I assure you its not magic, I'm using Carrier Pigeons. Over IP. #mysterysolved #conclaveSistineSeagull
Gull if I know. #conclave cc @CharlesHookimawSistineSeagull
Everybody talks about the Cardinals, but its really the 'gulls that make it happen. #conclave #gullpowerSistineSeagull
Twitter users weighed in on the seagull's prime position at the Vatican, poking fun at the process and the bird.
That seagull on the Sistine Chapel roof by the conclave is great product placement for the Holy Spirit.James Martin, SJ
@ToddCTV Maybe the Holy Spirit waiting to give us good news?Gary Allen
@SistineSeagull I vote you #PopeWatch2013Dustin Helton
@SistineSeagull Come on "Sistine" go in there & help em get it done already. #WeWantSmoke #WeWantSmoke #WeWantSmokeBailey Rose
Seagull: "Sweet! A new thing to poop on."Canice Leung
Some asked if there could be a connection between the seagull and the future pope.
@AGisotti remarks that the seagull is one of the symbols of St. Ambrose, one of the patron saints of cardinals Scola's diocese, Milan...Alessandro Speciale
At times, the seagull would fly away, leaving eager chimney viewers anxious for the bird's return.
I miss the Papal Seagull... #WasItSomethingIsaid?Lighthouse Youth
False alarm, the Sistine Seagull has returned.Alex Wolfman
Che sia lui il nuovo Papa? #gabbiano #conclave #pope #papa #seagullFrancesca Capochiani
i can't wait til that seagull gets blasted with smoke #conclave #ihatebirdsCiaran Dickson