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The news networks are abuzz with stories saying that Pope Francis has said pets go to heaven.
They’ve even “helpfully” noted how this contrasts with the position of his predecessor, Benedict XVI.
But the thing is . . . the whole story is false.
Here are 7 things to know and share . . .
1) What is being claimed?
Among other things:
Pope Francis has declared that all animals go to heaven during his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square.
The Pope made these remarks after he received two donkeys as early Christmas presents.
During his discussion, Pope Francis quoted the apostle Paul as he comforted a child who was mourning the death of his dog.
Francis quoted Paul’s remarks as, “One day we will see our animals again in eternity of Christ. Paradise is open to all God’s creatures.” [Source.]
Also:
In his weekly audience in St Peter’s Francis quoted the apostle Paul who comforted a child who was crying after his dog died.
“One day we will see our animals again in eternity of Christ’, Francis quoted Paul as saying.
The Pope added: “Paradise is open to all God’s creatures.” [Source.]
Right there we have multiple reasons to be suspicious of the story.
2) Why do we have reason to be suspicious?
First, because the common theological opinion for centuries has been that the souls of animals do not survive death.
Second, because this is just the kind of sensationalistic story that the media loves to get wrong.
Third because we have the same words being attributed to two different events: The Wednesday audience at which the remarks were allegedly made occurred on November 26, but the donkey-giving event occurred later. Continue reading
- Jimmy Akin in National Catholic Register
Besides being an author, Jimmy Akin is a Senior Apologist at Catholic Answers, a contributing editor to This Rock magazine, and a weekly guest on “Catholic Answers Live.”
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