Topless women fete pope's resignation in Paris cathedral

PARIS - Agence France-Presse

Activists from the women's rights organisation Femen protest in front of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral in Paris February 12, 2013. According to activists, the protest was organized to celebrate the resignation of Pope Benedict and the French parliament s decision to approve a draft law allowing same-sex marriage. AFP PHOTO / JOEL SAGET

Eight feminists flashed their breasts in the heart of Paris's Notre Dame cathedral on Tuesday to celebrate Pope Benedict XVI's shock resignation announcement.

The members of the Femen movement entered the Gothic cathedral dressed in long coats which they whipped off inside while ringing three bells near the altar.

"Pope no more!" they cried. "No more homophobe" and "Bye bye Benedict!" Scandalised visitors voiced their disapproval.

"This is a sacred place, you can't strip here," said a Frenchwoman.

The Femen women's power group has been making headlines since 2010 for topless feminist, pro-democracy and anti-corruption protests in Russia, Ukraine and London.

The protestors were dragged out of the cathedral by security but remained outside for some time shouting "In gay we trust" and "Get out homophobe."