Pope Francis And The Animals
Just by thinking of his name we can understand why Pope Francis is an animal lover. As Saint Francis of Assisi said, they are “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 has issued an extraordinary statement that drew the attention of the lovers of all the beings that inhabit this world. It has also been a balm for those who have recently lost a much loved pet.
The Pope affirmed that life after death is not a gift only for believers, but also for animals. In his words: ” The Holy Scriptures teach that this wonderful plan includes everything that surrounds us and that it was devised by the thought and heart of God.”
At the same time, he indicated in an interview given to the Resapubblica News site that “ heaven is open for all creatures. In that place they will receive the joy and love of God, without limits ”.
It is worth noting that the position of Francis in relation to his animals is contrary to that of his predecessor (Benedict XVI). This, despite loving cats, said that the existence of animals was limited to their life on earth.
The current pope is not the first to show his friendly and respectful approach to animals. John Paul II said, for example, on one occasion that “animals had a divine breath.” Francisco adopted the name in honor of, precisely, the patron saint of animals. He has already said in other statements to be in favor of non-human creatures. In his first homily since being elected Pontiff of the Vatican, he sent his message to the faithful, instilling in them the message of protecting all creatures born of divinity.
Pope Francis: ‘many pity the animals but not the neighbor’
Another of the Pope’s statements in relation to animals has left believers speechless. He lamented for those people who have too much affection for pets but show indifference towards their fellow men. It was during a general audience in St. Peter’s Square before thousands of people.
“We must be vigilant and not confuse pity with compassion, which is a superficial emotion. How many times do we see people who take care of cats and dogs but then don’t help their hungry neighbors? We cannot profess compassion for animals if we are indifferent to the suffering of our neighbor, ”said Francisco.
This does not mean, of course, that the Pope is against animals (as could already be seen in other statements) but 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
It is known as the Pattern of Animals and Ecology due to its action with all creatures that inhabit the Earth. The Saint considered animals as a gift of creation. That is why on the day of his death, October 4, World Animal Day is celebrated.
Francisco was born in the Italian city of Assisi and belonged to a wealthy family. However, he decided to divest himself 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 related to the Saint indicates that the flocks of swallows continually followed him forming a cross and that on one occasion when he was going to preach in Alvino he told them: “Swallow sisters, now it’s my turn to speak.”
On another occasion, he tamed a wild wolf by saying “Come here brother wolf, I command you from Christ not to harm me or anyone.” And when he was in the mountains praying, a blackbird warned him that it was time for midnight prayer.
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