The news reports suggesting Pope Francis said dogs can go to heaven grabbed headlines on Dec 12, but it turns out that the pontiff never actually commented about whether pets get a pass to the afterlife.
The confusion began when Pope Francis' 26 November speech on a comment that Pope Paul V, who died in 1978, did make several decades ago was misread, News.com.au reported.
The past pope once said, reportedly while comforting a child whose dog had died, "one day we will see our animals in the eternity of Christ."
This statement was then highlighted and analyzed by Italy's Corriere della Sera, which interpreted it to mean the pope believes animals go to heaven, and drew an analogy with another pope who spoke on the subject.
The Vatican's deputy spokesperson, Father Ciro Benedettini, said that there is a fundamental rule of double-checking in journalism and in this case it was not done.
As for what Francis does think about animals, he has not spoken much about them in public, but Benedettini said that from the general tone of his speeches and gestures it is clear that he is in spiritual harmony with all of creation.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
