Pope Francis has criticised couples who choose pets over having children, emphasising the importance of larger families in a world facing declining birth rates.
During his visit to Indonesia as part of his Southeast Asia tour, the Pope praised families with three, four, or five children, describing them as models for other nations. He condemned couples who opt for pets like cats and dogs instead of children, cautioning that such choices could have negative consequences.
The Pope has consistently urged couples to prioritise having children, viewing the trend of childlessness as a significant societal concern. He previously expressed frustration over individuals treating pets as children, recalling a 2023 incident where he scolded a woman who asked for a blessing for her dog, which she referred to as her ‘baby.’
Long concerned about declining birth rates, particularly in Europe where the fertility rate has dropped to 1.5 children per woman—below the replacement rate of 2.1—the Pope has voiced his worries extensively.
Additionally, in a speech alongside Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar at Istiqlal Mosque, the Pope warned against using religion to incite conflict. The declaration they signed called for ‘religious harmony for the sake of humanity,’ highlighting the role of religion in promoting and protecting human dignity amidst rising violence and dehumanisation.
