Pope Francis And The Animals
Just think of his name and we can understand why Pope Francis loves animals. As Saint Francis of Assisi said, they are our “younger brothers”, and we must show them respect. In this article, we will tell you more about the relationship between the Supreme Pontiff and all living beings.
Pope Francis: ‘Animals go to heaven’
In one of his weekly speeches, Pope Francis issued an extraordinary statement that caught the attention of people who love all beings that inhabit this world. It has also been a balm for those who have recently lost a dear pet.
The Pope said that the afterlife is not just a gift for believing humans, but also for animals. In his words: ” The Holy Scriptures teach that this wonderful plan includes everything around us and that it was conceived by the mind and heart of God.”
In turn, he said in an interview given to the Resapubblica news website that “ heaven is open to all creatures. In that place they will receive the joy and love of God, without limits ”.
It is worth noting that Francisco’s attitude towards his animals is contrary to that of his predecessor (Benedict XVI). The latter, despite loving cats, said that the existence of animals was limited to their life on land.
The current Pope is not the first to show his friendly and respectful approach to animals. John Paul II, for example, once said that “the animals had a divine breath.” Francisco was renamed in honor of, precisely, the patron saint of animals. It has been said in other statements to be in favor of non-human creatures. In his first homily since his election as Vatican Pontiff, he sent his message to the faithful to protect all creatures born of divinity.
Pope Francis: ‘Many pity the animals, but not the neighbors’
Another of the Pope’s statements regarding animals has left the faithful awestruck. He felt sorry for those people who feel great affection for animals but show indifference to their fellow men. It was during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square, in front of thousands of people.
“We must be careful and not confuse pity with pity, which is a superficial emotion. How often do we see people who take care of dogs and cats, but then don’t help their hungry neighbors? We cannot profess compassion for animals if we are indifferent to the suffering of others”, said Francisco.
This does not mean, of course, that the Pope is against animals (as has been shown in other statements), but rather that we should be more equitable in our help, solidarity and compassion. This means that the Pontiff puts all sentient beings in the same place.
Saint Francis of Assisi and the animals
He is known as the Patron Saint of Animals and Ecology, due to his love for all creatures that inhabit the Earth. The Saint considered animals as a gift of creation. That’s why on the day of his death, October 4th, the World Animal Day is celebrated.
Francisco was born in the Italian city of Assisi and belonged to a wealthy family. However, he decided to get rid of all material wealth to serve his fellow men and all living beings. He was surrounded by animals and, it is believed, they obeyed him.
One of the stories about the Saint indicates that flocks of swallows continually followed him forming a cross and that on one occasion, when he was going to preach in Alvino, he said: “Sisters swallows, now I have to talk to me.”
On another occasion, he tamed a wild wolf saying “Come here Brother Wolf, I command you from Christ not to do any harm to me or to anyone.” And when he was on the hill praying, a bird told him that it was time for the midnight prayer.
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