On Wednesday, Jan. 5, Pope Francis, named after the patron saint of animals, left the hair on the backs of cats standing up. During a pandemic, he criticized pet parents while discussing declining global birth rates.
As reported by the New York Times:
“People who have pets instead of children, the pope said, were being selfish, exhibiting a “denial of fatherhood or motherhood” that “diminishes us, it takes away our humanity.”
“Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children,” Francis said, laying out the harsh consequences of a childless future, including the inevitable drying up of pension plans. “Yes, it’s funny, I understand, but it is the reality.”
The pontiff went on to say that valuing pets over children is a “sign of cultural degeneration.” He went on to say people were taking the easy way out.
“That’s because an emotional relationship with animals is easier, more programmable,” he said at the time. “An animal is not free while having a child is something complex.”
Like others, we don’t see why it has to be “either/or.” It also seems to undervalue the daily efforts of animal rescuers to save and improve millions of lives, both human and animal.
Why not criticize the struggles of ordinary families to make ends meet in these difficult economic times? Due to the pandemic and global economic inequality, families lack access to health care, childcare, and even healthy food. People from all walks of life agree on that.
And here’s a cats’ response to the Pope’s remarks.
This is Marmelade.
“He was joking, right”? We and our followers enjoy caring for Marmalade every day. With Jess and Cat Man Chris as her parents, Marmalade became best friends with Cole and overcame cancer.
Then we show Jugg and Zig Zag’s reactions from the kitchen counter. Their eyes widened as they looked anxiously at Jess.
“You’re being selfish by providing us a loving home?” Zig Zag seemed to say.
Later, from the cat tree, Jugg howled in disgust, as you can see.
Following the dramatic cry, Zig Zag requested a cup of coffee in order to awaken from her seeming nightmare. Zig Zag, we understand.
Cole, who passed over the Rainbow Bridge in October of last year, affected a lot of people’s lives, especially the lives of black cats. Black cats are frequently vulnerable to irrational ideas, superstition, and dread. Cole’s life, on the other hand, demonstrated that such beliefs are silly, inspiring many to love and care for cats.
Every day, we are lucky to witness how many lives Cole touches and improves, and we will continue to do so in the future.
If Cole were to respond to the Pope’s remarks today, it might go like this:
Cole might be amused then. Cole smiles as he looks down from on high, knowing how much love he helped to generate on Earth. How many kittens got loving homes who would otherwise have been abandoned?
Perhaps the Pope might examine how loving animals like cats enriches and enhances all of our lives, especially when we face such adversity? Although Pope Francis has chosen not to have children, perhaps he could benefit from a cat’s devotion today?
Because more love, kindness, equality, safety, and justice for pets, people, and all life is clearly needed in the world.
Watch Pope’s speech in the video below;
