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World

Topless women activists bang Notre Dame bell in anti-pope protest in Paris cathedral

Associated Press
Published | Updated
  • France Pope Protest
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    Activists of the Women's Movement FEMEN, protest against Pope Benedict XVI who announced his resignation yesterday, in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)

  • d0d63bc4-France Pope Protest
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    Activists of the Women's Movement FEMEN, are confronted by security guards as they stand by one of the bells ordered for the cathedral's 850th birthday, in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, in protest against Pope Benedict XVI who announced his resignation yesterday, in Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)

  • 6176c968-France Pope Protest
    Image 3 of 3

    Activists of the Women's Movement FEMEN, protest against the Pope Benedict XVI who announced his resignation yesterday, in Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris, Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) (The Associated Press)

PARIS – Topless women activists have pounded a huge church bell in Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris to "celebrate" the pope's resignation.

The nine women from Ukrainian feminist group Femen had their chests and backs emblazoned with the words "Pope No More." They didn't explain their action except to say they are "provocateurs" celebrating Pope Benedict XVI's decision to step down.

At one point the women rang an enormous bell on display in the hall of the landmark cathedral, part of a set of new bronze bells cast for Notre Dame's 850th anniversary this year. Cathedral staff turned off the church lights and pulled the women away.

The women say they're also protesting in support of gay marriage. France's lower house of parliament is voting Tuesday on whether to legalize it.