IS POPE FRANCIS RIGHT ABOUT HAVING CHILDREN INSTEAD OF PETS?

Pope Francis provides catechesis to the general audience every Wednesday. Last January 5, his topic on the catechesis about St. Joseph was about his role of being an adoptive father where the Pope described adoption as "among the highest forms of love [1]." Then, he made a statement that led to him being criticized by many advocates of pet parenting. Pope Francis said,

"And today, even with orphanhood, there is a certain selfishness... And many couples do not have children because they do not want to, or they have just one because they do not want any more, but they have two dogs, two cats…. Yes, dogs and cats take the place of children [1]."

Many critics of Pope Francis are affected, and they disagree when the Pope called it "selfishness." For some people, it's reasonable to prefer having pets over children. Let's consider some of the objections raised by the critics and the problems associated with their points. 

Some advocates of pet parenting think that it will be inconvenient for them to raise a child considering their bills, jobs, and their families. One blogger noted, 

"Some of us have so many responsibilities that adding the burden of raising a human being just seems unthinkable [2]."

However, it's important to recognize that the pope is talking to married couples who have capabilities to raise a child. And yet, they choose to have pets instead of children, especially orphans, who will greatly benefit from their love if given the chance. 

In discernment, if the couples are choosing this out of convenience so as not to lose what “they have” at present, then they may be wrong despite living a comfortable life according to their own standards. This is because they are not being true to their vocation, but they are turning away from it. Rather than to give outwardly, as what marriage demands them - first, in giving of the self to the spouse and second, from this complete union, it will bring forth a fruit that is a child, whether biological or adopted, they choose to not give. 

Even though pet parenting advocates see the need for a married couple to have a family, they think that pets can substitute for children. The blogger said,

"Why can’t a family be complete with just you, your partner, and three (possibly more) happy pets in your home? You can raise pets with the same love and affection you could give your kids [2]."

The difference between the human person and the pet is so great that the person is made in the image and likeness of God while animals are not. As such, only human persons are capable of loving God and others freely according to will, intellect, and emotions that animals cannot do. Subsequently, having humans as children needs more attention, time and supervision in their overall formation - physical, psychological, emotional, spiritual and human. But these hardships should not be a cause of fear. Even if there is, fear is also not enough cause to choose pets over children. Moreover, it is the catechism which says that in exercising charity, we must put human’s needs first. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church,

2418 It is contrary to human dignity to cause animals to suffer or die needlessly. It is likewise unworthy to spend money on them that should as a priority go to the relief of human misery. One can love animals; one should not direct to them the affection due only to persons [3].

It is straightforwardly wrong to spend money and resources for the needs of the animals while failing to alleviate the misery of the deprived human persons first. Therefore, humans and our needs take precedence because the dignity of humans far exceeds that of animals. 

Some critics of the Pope argue that taking care of children will lead them to numerous financial issues. According to the blogger,

"With children, you’ll have to pay for over two decades of education fees, healthcare, and other needs [2]."

Sometimes, problems surrounding monetary issues can also be subjective in a sense that the level of adequacy/inadequacy cannot be fully measured as people could also take into consideration their varying “wants”, not only their needs. Some problems are remedied by more trust in God and asking Him for providence, and there are many ways to remedy a certain problem which we may not see because we close ourselves to the voice of God. This happens when we are too fixated on the problems itself rather than God. But, we are Christians, not unbelievers or pagans. God enters into our daily lives, and He is very concerned with what we need if we only consult Him and ask for His guidance.

Some people admit that they are not emotionally equipped to raise up children. This blogger argued,

"Some have suffered through a messed-up childhood and have been on the receiving end of bad parenting. Some might even have mental health disorders they don’t want to pass down to their future kids [2]."

Another difference between humans and pets, and a reason for fear of others, is that pets do not have a will unlike humans. They operate based on instinct, and thus, it is easier to train them and to subject them to whatever we want them to do according to their limited capacities. In this way, it is more convenient to be with animals because of lesser responsibilities. However, if fear paralyzes them, then they need much healing by going back to their family roots and wounds that cause such fear. Counseling, the sacrament of confession, and seeking spiritual guidance can help address these issues. Moreover, the Pope did not claim that having children is a rigid proclamation or a black and white thing. No one forces them if they are really not capable in truth and in good faith, according to each situation and in relation to one's own conscience because love is a free gift. Rather, the Church encourages us to discern and listen to our conscience where God speaks to us. 

When listening to Pope Francis, we should avoid having misconceptions of his words. His comments were not for people who were not married nor for people who innocently love their pets. Because they are part of God’s creation, we are appointed by God as stewards of them. It is not bad to care for pets, as some people think the Pope says. We should not take the Pope out of the context, and we should understand well the meaning of what he said. As always, the teachings of the Catholic Church is not just to impose restrictions on people. Rather, true freedom stems from being free to give one self to God and to others without any fear, doubt or worries. True freedom comes with full confidence in God’s providence who cares for us even though we do not see it clearly at present. 

May God give us the light to see His blessings and providence in life no matter how difficult we say it is. It’s a matter of faith and sadly, the world is losing faith which is why this thought of loving and giving oneself according to one’s vocation and capability angers many. May we pray for the Pope and for the whole world. May our shepherds continue to speak the truth even if the world is against it. Amen. +

References:

[1]https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/audiences/2022/documents/20220105-udienza-generale.html

[2]https://www.8list.ph/pope-francis-pets-over-kids-selfish/?fbclid=IwAR3MZs0epjJR0gSfBN4ro-FJP17VxtP4_kxDu0A6aHs1xexHgb_NfkEpuXU#read-more

[3]http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/2418.htm