During a visit to Indonesia, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of larger families over pet ownership, addressing declining birth rates.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]ope Francis has recently expressed concern over declining birth rates in the West, particularly in Europe, during his visit to Indonesia. He praised families with multiple children, referring to those with three, four, or five children as examples for other nations.
The Pope criticized couples who choose pets over children, stating, “This cannot go well,” and highlighted the societal implications of this trend.
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In past statements, the Pope has voiced frustration with individuals who treat pets as children, recalling a 2023 incident where he scolded a woman who asked him to bless her dog, which she referred to as her “baby.”
He noted that the fertility rate in Europe has fallen to 1.5 children per woman, significantly below the replacement rate of 2.1, which is crucial for sustaining populations.
In addition to his remarks on family structure, the Pope addressed the misuse of religion in fostering conflict during a speech with Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar at Istiqlal Mosque, where they signed a declaration advocating for religious harmony.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
